Lapsang souchong old fashioned

Serving Size

Serves 1

Time

2 minutes plus up to one day for infusing

Date

01.22.20 More info+

This is a perfect drink for winter entertaining.

Lapsang souchong is a Chinese black tea that is dried over pine fires, giving it a deep smokiness. "Letting the tea steep in the bourbon for several hours infuses it with a uniquely robust, ultra-aromatic flavor," says New York City–based recipe developer Beth Lipton. The classic old fashioned cocktail is made with sugar, bitters, whiskey, and a citrus rind. Here, maple syrup replaces the sugar, and the slight astringent flavor comes from the combination of tea and liquor. "Start with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, then taste, and add more if desired," advises Lipton.

Ingredients

1½ teaspoons

loose leaf lapsang souchong tea

2¼ ounces

bourbon

1 to 1½ teaspoons

maple syrup

Ice cubes

1 (1-inch) piece

lemon or orange peel

Directions

Step 1

In a container with a lid, combine tea leaves and bourbon. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or up to 1 day.

Step 2

Place 1 teaspoon maple syrup in a rocks glass. Pour bourbon through a fine-meshed sieve into glass, straining out tea. Stir to dissolve maple syrup. Taste and stir in remaining ½ teaspoon maple syrup, if desired. Add ice cubes. Twist citrus peel; rub it over rim of glass. Drop peel into glass and serve.

4 tea-based cocktails

Hydrating and flavorful, tea makes an excellent mixer.

Food