Celebrating Chinese New Year at home with the extended family is a beautiful tradition, but challenges arise when you have to host guests from different generations, especially Gen Z.
This generation is known for deeply valuing authenticity, visual aesthetics, and unique flavor experiences. Serving ordinary canned drinks might feel “lacking” for their Instagrammable gatherings.
The coolest way to bridge Chinese New Year traditions with Gen Z’s modern taste is through custom cocktail techniques. You can take elements of traditional Chinese New Year drinks that are already familiar to the palate, then give them a modern touch using alcoholic beverages.
As a brand that understands the art of mixology, Balimoon has summarized 5 typical Chinese New Year drinks that you can remix into contemporary cocktails. Prepare your crystal glasses, and let’s make this year’s Chinese New Year celebration the most memorable moment for your Gen Z cousins!
1. Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum Tea is a mandatory drink during Chinese New Year because of its soothing properties and its ability to balance oily dishes.
In the eyes of Gen Z, floral tea is very popular due to its light flavor profile and aesthetic appeal when photographed.
How to Customize:
Turn simple chrysanthemum tea into a Chrysanthemum Vodka Martini. Chrysanthemum tea has soft floral notes that pair perfectly with an alcoholic beverage that has a clean character, such as Balimoon 9 Vodka.
- Quick Recipe: Mix cold chrysanthemum tea with 45ml Balimoon 9 Vodka and a splash of lemon juice.
- Why Gen Z Loves It? The taste is clean, not too sweet, and very elegant. Add dried chrysanthemum flowers as a garnish on top of the glass to give the impression of a “premium craft cocktail.”
2. Mandarin Orange Juice
Mandarin Oranges are a symbol of gold and luck. Instead of just serving them as whole fruit or plain juice, you can turn them into a refreshing sparkling drink.
How to Customize:
Create a Mandarin Prosperity Spritz. Use fresh Mandarin orange juice as a base, then add an orange liqueur type of alcoholic beverage to strengthen its aroma.
- Quick Recipe: Use 30ml Balimoon Triple Sec Liqueur, fresh Mandarin orange juice, and top up with soda or sparkling wine.
- Why Gen Z Loves It? Gen Z loves “Spritz” type drinks because they are bubbly and low in calories. The bright orange color of this drink perfectly symbolizes the high-energy spirit of the new year.
3. Es Liang Teh (Herbal Tea)
Liang Teh is known as the “drink of the gods” to prevent internal heat. For some young people, the taste might be too “traditional” or similar to herbal medicine. However, in the right hands, Liang Teh can become a very exotic earthy cocktail.
How to Customize:
Try making an Oriental Herbal Highball. The slightly bitter and root-scented character of Liang Teh is very suitable when paired with an alcoholic beverage that has hints of spice or wood, such as Whisky.
- Quick Recipe: Mix 45ml Omrach Whisky, iced liang teh, and a little honey syrup. Serve in a tall glass (highball) with plenty of ice.
- Why Gen Z Loves It? There is a “Health-ish Drinking” trend among Gen Z, where they enjoy drinks that combine alcohol with ingredients considered beneficial for the body. The unique and dark flavor profile will make them feel as if they are at a prestigious speakeasy bar.
4. Passion Fruit Syrup
Passion fruit syrup often appears at Chinese New Year banquet tables because of its golden yellow color, representing prosperity. Its sweet and sour taste is highly favored as it provides an instant burst of freshness.
How to Customize:
Turn it into a Golden Passion Martini. Passion fruit is one of the most popular flavors in the modern cocktail world. You can mix it with an alcoholic beverage that has other tropical touches.
- Quick Recipe: Mix 30ml Balimoon Pineapple Liqueur, 30ml Balimoon 9 Vodka, and fresh passion fruit syrup. Shake with ice until ice cold.
- Why Gen Z Loves It? This drink is very vibrant and bold. Its strong and tropical taste fits perfectly with Gen Z’s expressive style. Don’t forget to add real passion fruit seeds as a garnish to make it look more aesthetic.
5. Soya Bean Milk
This drink might sound unusual for a cocktail, but for mixologists, soya bean milk is an extraordinary substitute for dairy products to create dessert cocktails.
How to Customize:
Try making a Soya Butterscotch Delight. The creamy yet light texture of soy milk pairs perfectly with an alcoholic beverage that has a sweet caramel flavor.
- Quick Recipe: Mix cold soya bean milk with 30ml Balimoon Butterscotch Liqueur. Stir well and sprinkle a little cinnamon powder on top.
- Why Gen Z Loves It? Many Gen Z individuals choose non-dairy (plant-based) products. This cocktail is a solution for those who want to enjoy a soft, sweet drink without using dairy cream. The taste is similar to premium milk tea but with a warming touch of alcohol.
Beyond taste, Gen Z pays great attention to the experience. To make your beverage service more successful:
Use Unique Glassware: Don’t just use plastic cups. Use glass glassware with interesting shapes.
Prepare a “Self-Garnish” Area: Let them add pieces of fruit or flowers themselves into their glasses to make it feel more interactive.
Tell the Story: Tell them that this is a remixed traditional drink. They highly appreciate the narrative behind a product.
Serving alcoholic beverages during the Chinese New Year holiday doesn’t have to be boring. By utilizing existing traditional ingredients and mixing them with Balimoon products, you can create drink innovations that will leave Gen Z guests in awe. This is the best way to celebrate tradition while staying relevant to the times.
Remember to always serve drinks responsibly. The quality taste from Balimoon will ensure that every glass of cocktail you serve has a unique flavor.
So, make sure your alcoholic beverage supply is complete before Chinese New Year arrives. From clear Vodka to aromatic fruit Liqueurs, we have everything you need to experiment.
Get Balimoon products now by contacting us via WhatsApp at: +62 821-4510-9578.