We Go Behind Jason Xie’s Clarified Jasmine Crush Cocktail at MEILI in Williamsburg

We’re praying for Spring, sipping the Jasmine Crush, a refreshing batch cocktail from MEILI Williamsburg that highlights Jasmine Crush Vodka’s floral character with layers of fruit, citrus, and a silky finish.

But going behind the cocktail means looking beyond the glass. It’s about understanding how and why the drink was built, what inspired it, and how each ingredient balances and contributes to its story. The Jasmine Crush isn’t just a seasonal sip. It’s a study in texture and thoughtful layering.

Each ingredient plays its part: the delicate floral notes of Jasmine Crush Vodka create a fragrant base, setting the tone without overpowering the palate. Grape lends natural sweetness and green apple delivers a crisp tartness. Fresh lime brightens the blend, and the clarifying milk smooths the edges, tying everything together into a clean, balanced finish.

Designed for sharing, The Jasmine Crush is a crowd-pleasing serve that feels both effortless and elevated—perfect for gatherings when presentation and flavor matter equally.

Photo by Meili Restaurant

Liqueur, Vodka

Jasmine Crush

by Jason Xie

Ingredients

• ¾ oz. Green Tea
• 25 oz. Cold Brew Vodka (a standard 750 ml bottle)
• 6 oz. Apple Liqueur
• 6 oz. Grape Syrup (a blend of fresh grape juice and sugar 1:1)
• 9 ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• 19 oz. Milk

Preparation

1. To make the Jasmine Crush, start by combining green tea with cold brew vodka and let it infuse for 3 hours to develop a light jasmine flavor.
2. Once infused, add apple liqueur, grape syrup, lime juice, and milk to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
3. Place the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the milk to begin separating.
4. Then, strain the mixture through a fine filter or cheesecloth to clarify, leaving you with a smooth, milk-washed base that highlights the jasmine notes.
5. Pour 3 ½ ounces of the clarified liquid into a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Behind the Cocktail 

Behind the Cocktail is Chilled’s look beyond the recipe, exploring the inspiration, technique, and stories that shape the drinks we love. From ingredient choices to flavor design, the column uncovers the story inside the glass, highlighting the bartenders and creative decisions that turn a cocktail into an experience.