Recipe for a lapsang souchong cocktail

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!