Lapsang Souchong’s smoky and bold flavor makes it a fantastic base for a unique cocktail. Here’s a recipe that perfectly combines the smokiness of the tea with a hint of sweetness and citrus to create a balanced, sophisticated drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Lapsang Souchong tea (strongly brewed and chilled)
- 1.5 oz whiskey or bourbon (a smoky or peaty variety works well)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brew the Tea:
- Brew a strong cup of Lapsang Souchong tea by steeping 1 tsp of loose leaf tea in 4 oz of boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Once brewed, strain and allow the tea to cool completely. For quicker chilling, place it in the fridge or use ice cubes.
2. Prepare the Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of chilled Lapsang Souchong tea, 1.5 oz of whiskey or bourbon, 0.5 oz of lemon juice, 0.5 oz of honey syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
3. Shake:
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and blend all the ingredients.
4. Strain and Serve:
Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish:
Add a lemon twist or a slice of lemon for garnish. If you want an extra smoky flair, you can lightly flame the lemon peel before adding it to the glass.
Optional Add-Ons:
For a touch more complexity, add a dash of ginger liqueur or a splash of club soda for a fizzy twist.
This Lapsang Souchong cocktail is smoky, refreshing, and layered with flavors that offer a unique twist on your usual whiskey drink. Cheers!