Jade Tips (green) Recipe

Make the Green Tea Concentrate

Bring 750 ml water to a temperature of about 80°C (just below boiling) — suitable for green tea. Add 3 tablespoons of high-quality loose green tea leaves to a heatproof vessel. Pour 250 ml of the hot water over the leaves, stir gently, and steep for 3 minutes. Strain the leaves using a fine mesh strainer or tea cloth into a clean container and set the concentrated infusion aside.

Make the Syrup

In a small saucepan combine 80 g granulated sugar and 100 ml of the remaining warm water (to help dissolve). Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear (do not boil). Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon honey until integrated. Let cool slightly.

Combine & Adjust

Mix the strained green tea concentrate with the cooled sugar-honey syrup. Add the remaining 400 ml of cooled water (room temperature) to bring the base to a drinkable strength. Stir in 30 ml fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime: if you prefer brighter green flavor, reduce added water or add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of concentrated tea; for more sweetness, add up to 1 tablespoon more honey or sugar dissolved.

Chill the combined green tea base in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (can be made up to 24 hours ahead).

Assemble the Cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add 90 ml gin (or vodka) and 120–150 ml of the chilled green tea base (adjust to taste for strength). Muddle 2 thin cucumber slices and 3 mint leaves lightly in the shaker to release aroma — do not pulverize. Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.

Serve

Fill two highball glasses with ice (about 1 cup each). Strain the shaken mixture evenly into the glasses. Top each glass with 60 ml club soda (or to taste) and stir gently once to combine.

Garnish

Garnish each glass with 3 cucumber slices arranged on top or along the side, add 3 fresh mint leaves, and finish with a lime wheel or twist on the rim.

Serve immediately. Leftover green tea base keeps refrigerated for up to 48 hours.