We pay homage to Zhou Xuan, China’s “Golden Voice” of the early 20th century. She passed at the age of 37 or 39 in a Shanghai psychiatric institution. Some say she was led there by heartbreak and betrayal. We wind back to her best known song, “The Wandering Songstress,” immortalized in a 1937 Chinese classic film “Street Angel”. Zhou’s voice haunts the screen as she sings of a distant soul mate waiting just beyond the horizon.

Here we present a refreshing reimagining of oolong. A green oolong base from Fujian Province entwines with twists of lime and cucumber dices. Take this unusual union even further by icing it with sparkling soda or stirring in something more sinful. It’s Prohibition down here, so we’re not allowed to say with what.

Serving Suggestion: start with 4 grams or 1 teaspoon in 8-10 ounces of water at 185 degrees Fahrenheit then steep for 3-4 minutes.

Manderley’s Secret Suggestion: using a ratio of 4 grams for every 6-8 ounces of water, let the tea leaves steep in room temperature or cold water for 24-48 hours. This gradual steep while avoiding high heat allows the more delicate notes to linger. Can be used as a base for your own cocktail recipe. This method may yield to higher caffeine levels.