Tea has been a staple of relaxation and comfort for centuries, whether it's earl grey with a splash of milk, a steaming matcha latte, or the gentle brew of Japanese green tea soothing you before bed. But have you ever thought of tea as a component in your cocktail mixology?

The flavors of tea, from jasmine and oolong to black tea and matcha, similar to bitters and syrups, can bring an intriguing intensity to your drinks. Experiment with the oolong tea, for instance. Its earthly attributes add a strong foundation to the Smoky Fig Cocktail, a cocktail that features Scotch whisky and sweet, slightly tart fig liqueur. On the other hand, the bright and floral notes of the Earl Grey tea mix well with aquavit and honey syrup in the Earl Grey Aquavit Spritz.

You can effortlessly mix tea into your cocktails, and we'll tell you how. The Smoky Fig, a cocktail inspired by the Qiyi Gui from Maybe Sammy in Sydney, is a mix of oolong tea, kiwi, Scotch, and fig liqueur. It's a cocktail that boasts of a bold, smoky and tart flavor profile.

Just as enthralling is a delectable cocktail that blends vodka, fresh cucumber, and lime juice with a jasmine tea-infused simple syrup. Not only does it make the cocktail wonderfully drinkable, it also infuses a beautiful floral aroma and a hint of sweetness. You could even use the leftover tea syrup as a topping on vanilla ice cream or cake.

If you're a fan of matcha, incorporate its earthy, slightly grassy flavor into your cocktails to complement bold Japanese whisky, sweet honey syrup, and tart lemon juice, then top with club soda for a bubbly finish.

If you prefer a Midori Sour with a twist, Julia Momose, owner of Kumiko in Chicago, used Mizu Green Tea shochu in her cocktail. The green tea shochu infuses the shochu with tropical notes that blend well with the rich melon liqueur and citrus juices. The result is a cocktail that strikes a wonderful balance of flavors.

A classic Earl Grey tea, with a blend of honey syrup, lemon juice, and herbaceous aquavit, is another recipe to consider. Also, do not miss out on trying jasmine tea with gin – their floral and fragrant mix together is truly engaging.

Chantal Tseng's summer drink suggestion pairs ripe peaches with a cooling mint tea. Adding in Amontillado sherry, with hints of vanilla and toasted hazelnuts, injects sweetness and depth into the mix. The peaches and mint tea ice cubes help neutralize the hit from the sherry and ginger, leaving a refreshing finish.

In conclusion, tea in its various forms and flavors can add an enthralling layer of complexity to your cocktails. So why not give this trend a try and see how tea can stir up your mixology game!