20 Chinese Cocktails to Celebrate in Style

Chinese cocktails are drinks inspired by beautiful Asian flavors, ingredients, and spirits such as baijiu, tea, lychee, ginger, citrus, and five-spice. These intriguing clinkers range from traditional spirit-forward serves to modern fruit-forward and tea-based cocktails popular in contemporary mixology. 

What are Chinese cocktails?

Chinese cocktails sit at the crossroads of culture and modern mixology. Traditional Chinese drinking culture has centered on neat pours of spirits like baijiu or rice wine, often shared at the table instead of mixed behind a bar. Cocktails, as we know them today, are a recent addition. 

That’s why most Chinese cocktails you’ll see now are inspired, not historic. They borrow flavors, ingredients, and symbolism from Chinese cuisine and traditions, then apply them through a modern cocktail lens. Color matters. Balance matters. Meaning matters too. Red for luck, jade green for prosperity, and peaches for longevity. 

The result is a style of cocktail that feels intentional and expressive, where flavor, aroma, and visuals all play a role. It’s less about strict tradition and more about creative interpretation, done with respect and curiosity. 

Traditional Chinese spirits used in cocktails

Baijiu is the backbone of Chinese spirits and is said to be one of the most widely consumed liquors in the world. It’s a grain alcohol that’s bold, aromatic, and often surprising on first sip, with styles ranging from floral and fruity to deeply savory. In cocktails, baijiu brings intensity and structure, standing up well to citrus, stone fruit, and spice while giving drinks a distinctly Chinese character. 

Huangjiu, often called Chinese rice wine, is softer and lower in alcohol than baijiu. Its gently sweet, umami-leaning profile makes it a natural fit for lighter cocktails, especially those built around tea, ginger, or fruit. In modern recipes, it adds roundness without overpowering other flavors. 

Key flavors that define Chinese-inspired cocktails

Certain flavors show up again and again in Chinese-inspired drinks, and for good reason. Lychee brings floral sweetness that plays well with vodka and gin. Muddled ginger adds warmth and bite. Tea, from oolong to jasmine, introduces tannin, depth, and aroma without heaviness. 

Citrus keeps things sharp and balanced, while sesame offers nutty richness in liquor-forward builds. Five-spice and warm baking spices add complexity in small doses. Cherry and stone fruit round things out with soft sweetness and symbolic nods to prosperity and celebration. 

Tea-based Chinese cocktails

1. Chit-Cha Toddy

SWEET | Ideal for: Fireside gatherings 

Created with Chinese New Year in mind, these warming tea cocktails combine bourbon, Cynar, honey, and ginger for a cozy sip that’s perfect for cold-weather celebrations. It’s similar to a Hot Toddy, (opens in new window) but with an oolong tea twist. 

Ingredients 

• 0.75 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon (opens in new window) 

• 0.25 oz Cynar (opens in new window) 

• 0.25 oz Ginger simple syrup 

• 0.25 oz Lemon juice (fresh) 

• 0.25 oz Honey 

• 3.5 oz Hot oolong tea 

• Lemon slice (to garnish) 

Method 

1. Add bourbon, Cynar, ginger syrup, lemon juice, honey, and hot tea to a serving cup 
2. Stir gently to combine 
3. Garnish with a lemon slice 
4. Serve 

Learn more: Tea-Infused Cocktails (10 Elegant Recipes to Try) 

2. Gunfire

BOLD | Ideal for: After-dinner wind-downs 

Once a military tradition, Gunfire is now a simple, warming cocktail that’s perfect for Chinese New Year gatherings. This recipe combines black tea and dark rum for a cozy serve with optional spiced garnish. 

Ingredients 

• 1 oz Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window) 

• 3 oz Chinese black tea (brewed, hot) 

• Star anise (to garnish, optional) 

Method 

1. Warm a serving glass or cup 
2. Add rum and pour in hot tea 
3. Stir gently to combine 
4. Garnish with star anise if desired 
5. Serve 

Love tea? Try these!  Easy Tea Cocktails for Chilled Celebrations 

Fruity & floral Chinese cocktails

3. Lychee Martini

FRUITY | Ideal for: Cocktail-hour gatherings 

Light, fragrant, and delicately sweet, the Lychee Martini is built on a clean SKYY Vodka (opens in new window) base that lets the floral character of lychee take center stage. A splash of fresh lime keeps these lychee cocktails crisp and balanced. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that suits both relaxed get-togethers and more elevated cocktail moments. 

4. Asian Pear

FRUITY | Ideal for: Elegant dinner parties 

As graceful as a silk cocktail dress, these bougie baijiu cocktails incorporate pear and citrus to create a gorgeous drink that’s delicate, balanced, and refined from the first sip to last. 

Ingredients 

• 1.25 oz Baijiu  

• 0.25 oz Maraschino liqueur 

• 0.25 oz Pear liqueur 

• 2 oz White pear juice 

• 0.75 oz Lime juice (fresh) 

• 0.5 oz Agave syrup 

• Few dashes Bitters 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add baijiu, maraschino liqueur, pear liqueur, pear juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and bitters to an ice-filled shaker 
2. Shake until well chilled 
3. Strain into a frosted glass 
4. Serve 

More pear inspo:  Cheers to Fall with a Pear Martini (opens in new window) 

5. Peach Fizz

FRUITY | Ideal for: Festive toasts and celebratory moments 

In Chinese culture, peaches symbolize longevity and prosperity, and these Chinese-inspired cocktails make them the star. Sweet, tangy, and sparkling, they’re the perfect celebratory sip for the Lunar New Year. 

Ingredients 

• 1 oz Peach schnapps 

• 1 oz SKYY Vodka (opens in new window) 

• 0.5 oz Peach nectar 

• 0.5 oz Lemon juice (fresh) 

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup 

• Club soda (to top) 

• Sugar (to rim glass) 

• Peach slice or lemon wheel (to garnish) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Rim a highball glass with sugar and set aside 
2. Add peach schnapps, vodka, peach nectar, lemon juice, and simple syrup to an ice-filled shaker 
3. Shake until well chilled 
4. Pour into the prepared glass with ice 
5. Top with club soda and stir gently 
6. Garnish with a peach slice or lemon wheel 
7. Serve 

6. Cherry Moon

SWEET | Ideal for: Casual get-togethers and relaxed celebrations 

Built on SKYY Infusions Cherry Vodka (opens in new window), the Cherry Moon is a playful, soda-topped cocktail that leans into bright cherry sweetness with a nostalgic twist. Lemon-lime soda keeps this Asian cocktail recipe light and easygoing, while a float of grenadine adds both color and a touch of candy-like depth. It’s unfussy, fun, and designed for effortless sipping.  

7. Cherry Blossom

FRUITY | Ideal for: Spring brunches 

These modern Chinese cocktails bloom with springtime flair. The Cherry Blossom mixes sake, cherry liqueur, gin, and citrus into a delicate yet lively sip. 

Ingredients 

Serves 2 

• 1.5 oz Sake 

• 1 oz Cherry liqueur 

• 0.5 oz Bulldog Gin 

• 0.25 oz Grand Marnier 

• 0.25 oz Grenadine 

• 0.25 oz Lemon juice (fresh) 

• Fresh or brandied cherries (to garnish) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add sake, cherry liqueur, gin, Grand Marnier, grenadine, and lemon juice to a mixing glass with ice 
2. Stir until thoroughly chilled 
3. Strain into two chilled glasses 
4. Garnish with fresh or brandied cherries 
5. Serve 

Also see: Asian Cocktail Ingredients to Inspire Your Next Drink 

Spiced & symbolic cocktails

8. Green Dragon

BOLD | Ideal for: Late-night cocktail sessions 

With mint, herbs, and a hint of spice, the Green Dragon is a captivating Asian mixology marvel that layers crème de menthe, caraway liqueur, and bitters into a complex, aromatic sip. 

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Bulldog Gin (opens in new window) 

• 0.5 oz Crème de menthe 

• 0.25 oz Kummel (caraway liqueur) or Aquavit (substitute) 

• 0.25 oz Lemon juice (fresh) 

• Few dashes of peach bitters 

• 0.25 oz Chilled water 

• Lemon twist or mint sprig (to garnish) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add gin, crème de menthe, kummel (or aquavit), lemon juice, bitters, and water to an ice-filled shaker 
2. Shake until frosty 
3. Fine-strain into a chilled glass 
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or mint sprig 
5. Serve 

Bulldog Gin is a perfect fit for the Green Dragon cocktail thanks to its bold yet balanced flavor profile. With notes of juniper, citrus, and warm spice, it complements the fresh mint and caraway-forward liqueurs beautifully. Its smooth, versatile character allows the vibrant herbal and citrus elements of the drink to shine, creating a harmonious blend in every sip.

9. Firecracker

SPICY | Ideal for: Backyard parties 

A bold, zesty cocktail with a fiery kick, this global cocktail recipe shakes rum, watermelon, citrus, and cayenne together for a serve that lives up to its name. 

Ingredients 

• 1.5 oz Appleton Estate Rum 

• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier (opens in new window) 

• 0.5 oz Lime juice (fresh) 

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup 

• 2 one-inch cubes watermelon (muddled) 

• Pinch or two of cayenne pepper 

• Lime wedge (to garnish, optional) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add watermelon cubes to a mixing glass and muddle well 
2. Add rum, Grand Marnier, lime juice, simple syrup, cayenne, and ice 
3. Shake until well chilled 
4. Strain into a serving glass 
5. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired 
6. Serve 

10. Lion’s Tail

BOLD | Ideal for: Themed dinners   

Named after the bold Lion Dance of Chinese New Year parades, this Prohibition-era classic mixes bourbon, allspice, and lime into a drink with a spirited kick and oodles of exotic cocktail flavors.  

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon 

• 0.25 oz Allspice liqueur 

• 0.25 oz Lime juice (fresh) 

• 1 tsp Simple syrup 

• 2 dashes Bitters 

• Orange twist (to express oils, discard) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add bourbon, allspice liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters to an ice-filled shaker 
2. Shake until well chilled 
3. Strain into a chilled serving glass 
4. Lightly express the oil from an orange twist over the drink, then discard the twist 
5. Serve 

11. Red Dragon (opens in new window)

FRUITY | Ideal for: Pre-dinner aperitif moments 

Experience the fiery Red Dragon cocktail. Crafted with gin, Grand Marnier, fresh blood orange juice, lemon juice, and a touch of grenadine, it’s a vibrant and citrusy cultural cocktail that adds a pop of color and fresh zesty flavors. And it’s easy to make! 

Spirit-forward & modern Chinese-inspired cocktails

12. Sesame Old Fashioned

BOLD | Ideal for: Slow, contemplative nightcaps 

A nutty, aromatic riff on the global classic, this version infuses whiskey with toasted sesame seeds for a slow sipper that’s rich, smooth, and unexpected. 

Ingredients 

For the infused whiskey 

• 4 oz The Glen Grant Whisky (opens in new window) (for infusion) 

• Handful of sesame seeds (dry-toasted, for infusion) 

For the cocktail 

• 2 oz Sesame-infused whiskey 

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup 

• 4 dashes Bitters 

• Orange twist (to garnish, optional) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Dry-toast sesame seeds in a warm pan 
2. Add the seeds to the whiskey and infuse for 1 hour, then strain 
3. Build sesame-infused whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters in a rocks glass over ice 
4. Stir gently 
5. Garnish with an orange twist if desired 
6. Serve 

13. Blood Orange Margarita  

FRUITY | Ideal for: Beginner-friendly entertaining 

Chinese cocktails are often deeply hued and quite dramatic, and the Blood Orange Margarita definitely plays in this space. Plus, red is supposed to be very lucky! This juicy tequila-based cocktail is packed with all the bittersweet flavors you could wish for, making it the perfect aperitif to serve to a crowd. It’s also a great cocktail for beginners ― you just add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker, give it a good shake, and pour.     

14. Baijiu Berry Sour

FRUITY | Ideal for: Experimental cocktail tastings 

This Chinese-inspired cocktail balances the bold kick of baijiu with lemon, raspberry, and herbal liqueur for a vibrant sour that’s striking and tangy. 

Ingredients 

• 1.25 oz Baijiu 

• 0.75 oz Lemon juice (fresh) 

• 0.75 oz Raspberry syrup 

• 0.25 oz Herbal liqueur 

• 0.5 oz Egg white 

• 3 Fresh raspberries (to garnish) 

• 1 Blackberry (to garnish) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add baijiu, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, herbal liqueur, egg white, and ice to a shaker 
2. Shake well until chilled and frothy 
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass 
4. Garnish with three raspberries and one blackberry 
5. Serve 

15. China Blue

FRUITY | Ideal for: Color-forward cocktail parties 

Sweet lychee and tangy pink grapefruit meet a splash of blue Curaçao in this eye-catching cocktail that’s as stunning in the glass as it is on the palate. 

Ingredients 

• 1 oz Lychee liqueur 

• 1 oz Blue Curaçao 

• 4 oz Pink grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed) 

• Orange slice (to garnish) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add lychee liqueur, blue Curaçao, and grapefruit juice to an ice-filled shaker 
2. Shake until well chilled 
3. Strain into a pre-chilled Collins glass over fresh ice 
4. Garnish with an orange slice 
5. Serve immediately 

16. Jade Cocktail

BOLD | Ideal for: Symbolic milestone celebrations 

Inspired by jade’s symbolism of prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture, this elegant green serve pairs rum, citrus, and herbal notes into a bright, balanced tribute to the cherished stone. 

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Wray & Nephew White Rum (opens in new window) 

• 0.25 oz Green crème de menthe 

• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier 

• 0.5 oz Lime juice (fresh) 

• Lime wheel or mint sprig (to garnish) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add rum, crème de menthe, Grand Marnier, and lime juice to an ice-filled shaker 
2. Shake until well chilled 
3. Strain into a Martini glass 
4. Garnish with a lime wheel or mint sprig 
5. Serve 

17. Asian Ginger Cocktail

SPICY | Ideal for: Wintery cocktail hours 

Ginger, a symbol of warmth and vitality in Chinese traditions, shines in this aromatic ginger cocktail where its spice is balanced by smooth sake and crisp vodka. 

Ingredients 

• 2.5 oz Sake 

• 1.5 oz SKYY Vodka 

• 0.25 oz Rich simple syrup 

• 2 Fresh ginger slices (muddled) 

• Fresh ginger slice (to garnish) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Muddle ginger slices in the base of a shaker 
2. Add sake, vodka, and simple syrup 
3. Shake with ice until well-chilled 
4. Fine strain into a chilled glass 
5. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger 
6. Serve 

Global & fusion Lunar New Year cocktails

18. Mai Tai

BOLD | Ideal for: Tropical-themed entertaining 

Built around rich Jamaican rum, the Mai Tai is a layered classic that balances citrus brightness with subtle nuttiness. Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve brings depth and warmth, while fresh lime juice and orange liqueur add lift and gentle sweetness. Orgeat rounds everything out with a soft almond note, creating a cocktail that feels bold, balanced, and timeless. 

19. Orange Blossom 

BOLD | Ideal for: Game night aperitifs 

Oranges symbolise happiness and abundance, which makes this cocktail feel like a little liquid luck. And while gin and orange juice isn’t a typical mix, in Jamaica, it’s basically a classic.  A swirl of sweet vermouth in this recipe ties everything together, balancing the acidity perfectly. We recommend Cinzano Vermouth Rosso (opens in new window) with its spicy botanicals and complex bittersweet twist for an extra-special finish.   

20. Chinese Fizz 

FRUITY | Ideal for: Lively group celebrations 

Inspired by the iconic Ramos Gin Fizz (opens in new window), this Chinese New Year riff swaps in rum and cherry liqueur for a festive serve that’s creamy, citrusy, and full of celebratory flair. 

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Appleton Estate Rum 

• 0.25 oz Grand Marnier 

• 0.25 oz Cherry liqueur 

• 0.5 oz Lemon juice (fresh) 

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup 

• 0.25 oz Grenadine 

• 1 Egg white 

• Dash Bitters 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add rum, Grand Marnier, cherry liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, grenadine, egg white, and bitters to a shaker 
2. Dry shake (no ice) to combine 
3. Add ice and shake again until frosty 
4. Double strain into a glass filled with fresh ice 
5. Serve 

What to Serve with Chinese Cocktails

Chinese-inspired cocktails shine when paired with food that echoes their balance of sweet, savory, and spice. Dumplings and crispy spring rolls work with almost anything. Spicy noodles love a citrus-forward or ginger-led drink.  

Rich dishes like Peking duck pair beautifully with spirit-forward or tea-based cocktails. For dessert, citrus sweets and lychee-based treats keep things light and cohesive. When food and cocktails speak the same flavor language, the whole table feels more intentional. 

Ready to get mixing? Visit Campari Group brands like SKYY Vodka (opens in new window), Appleton Estate (opens in new window), and Bulldog Gin (opens in new window) to shop for your essentials, browse more recipes here, and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with what’s next.