Photos: James Labe, America's First Tea Sommelier and ZEN Green Tea Liqueur(TM) Add a Tea-Wist to Summer Cocktails

NEW YORK, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Between fireworks and backyard barbeques, patriots are bound to get thirsty as they celebrate America's 233rd birthday this July 4th. Just in time for the occasion, America's first Tea Sommelier James Labe and ZEN Green Tea Liqueur have joined forces to create a series of iced tea cocktails to toast the 4th and the summer season ahead.

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By mixing Zen with some the world's finest teas and spirits, Mr. Labe adds a revitalizing twist to traditional iced tea. "From the dawn of civilization to this day, tea and spirits have traveled along parallel roads towards our enjoyment," says Mr. Labe. "Spirits have long been at home in fine dining, but only recently has the door swung open for tea, as two new friends, green tea and spirits, greet each other in Zen Green Tea Liqueur."

Zen's taste is derived from the infusion of neutral spirits with green tea leaves, lemongrass, herbs and natural flavors. The ground green tea, or Matcha, used in ZEN comes from Uji, one of the most famous Matcha-producing regions in the world. Matcha gives Zen its authentic tea flavor, green coloring, and subtle sweetness which mixes well with a variety teas and fresh juices.

For a simple yet refreshing summer iced tea cocktail, add an ounce of Zen Green Tea Liqueur to an eight ounce glass of freshly brewed, unsweetened iced tea. Or for a festive 4th of July toast, Mr. Labe recommends the Zen, White and Blue which blends fresh blueberries with ZEN, White Tea and SKYY Infusions(TM) Raspberry.

Zen, White & Blue

    1-1/2 parts Zen Green Tea Liqueur(TM)
    3 parts prepared Silver Needle White Tea
    1-1/2 parts SKYY INFUSIONS RASPBERRY(TM)
    3 parts Fresh Blueberries, muddled or pureed

Combine 1 part cold and 5 parts boiling water to approximate 180 degrees f. Use 1/2 cup dry tea leaves to 2 cups hot water (1:4). Steep 3 minutes. Strain and chill. Combine and stir ingredients. Serve on the rocks. Garnish with Fresh Mint.

Additional summer iced tea cocktail recipes can be found below.

Zen Goddess

    1-1/2 parts Zen Green Tea Liqueur(TM)
    3 parts prepared Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong Tea
    1 part Passion Fruit Juice
    1 part Cabo Wabo(R) Blanco Tequila

Combine 1 part cold and 5 parts boiling water to approximate 180 degrees f. Use 1/2 cup dry tea leaves to 2 cups hot water (1:8). Steep 2 minutes. Strain and chill. Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Garnish with large, thin Grapefruit Slice.

Zen Blossom

    1-1/2 parts Zen Green Tea Liqueur(TM)
    4 parts prepared Jasmine Pearl Green Tea
    1-1/2 parts Flor de Cana(R)White Rum
    1 part Coconut Cream

Combine 1 part cold and 5 parts boiling water to approximate 180 degrees f. Use 1/4 cup dry tea leaves to 2 cups hot water (1:8). Steep 2 minutes. Strain and chill. Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Garnish with edible flower.

Zen Dew

    1-1/2 parts Zen Green Tea Liqueur(TM)
    4 parts prepared Gyokuro Green Tea
    1-1/2 parts Tullamore Dew(R) Irish Whiskey
    Lime Zest

Use 1/4 cup dry tea leaves to 2 cups cold water (1:8). Steep 3-4 minutes. Strain and chill. Combine and stir ingredients. Garnish with Lime Wedge.

For more information on Zen Green Tea Liqueur, please visit www.zenliqueur.com.

SOURCE Zen Green Tea Liqueur