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drinkKohaku RiverInspired by Spirited Away
Kohaku River
A soothing, warm infusion inspired by the spirit of the Kohaku River. This magical drink, brewed with butterfly pea flower, ginger, and lemongrass, mysteriously changes color from a deep blue to a vibrant violet when a sweet stream of yuzu honey is added, revealing its true nature.
- Drink
- 7 ingredients
- 7 steps
- Animation
Gather these
Ingredients
- 6 oz (180 ml)Boiling water
- 1 tsp (or 1 tea bag)Dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2-3 coinsFresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 inch pieceLemongrass stalk, bruised
- 1/2 oz (15 ml)Honey
- 1/4 oz (7.5 ml)Yuzu juice (or fresh lemon juice)
- 1-2 piecesKonpeitō (Japanese star candy) for garnish
Step by step
Instructions
- 1
In a small saucepan or kettle, gently heat the honey and yuzu (or lemon) juice until just combined to create the 'Magic Syrup'. Do not boil. Pour into a small, separate carafe or pitcher.
- 2
Place the dried butterfly pea flowers, ginger slices, and bruised lemongrass into a heatproof mug or glass.
- 3
Pour 6 oz of boiling water over the ingredients in the mug and let it steep for 4-5 minutes, until it turns a deep, vibrant blue.
- 4
Strain the tea into a clear, heatproof serving mug to showcase the color. If using a teabag, simply remove it.
- 5
Present the blue tea to your guest with the small carafe of Magic Syrup on the side.
- 6
Pour the Magic Syrup into the hot tea. Stir and watch the color transform from blue to a beautiful purple-violet.
- 7
Garnish with one or two Konpeitō stars, reminiscent of the food for the soot sprites.
The Inspiration
Why this drink
This drink is inspired by Haku, the river spirit. The base tea's deep blue color represents the mysterious Kohaku River, while the warming ginger and herbal lemongrass evoke the smells of Kamaji's boiler room in the bathhouse. The magical color change, triggered by the acidic yuzu honey, symbolizes the moment Haku's curse is broken and his true identity is remembered, revealing the magic hidden within. The Konpeitō garnish is a final nod to the helpful soot sprites.
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