Lapsang Souchong Smoky Old Fashioned
A tea-twist on the bourbon classic—Lapsang-infused whiskey, maple syrup, and orange bitters for a deeply smoky, sophisticated cocktail.
The Old Fashioned already loves smoke—think of all those bars that serve it under a cloche of applewood smoke. Lapsang Souchong delivers that smokiness organically, infused right into the whiskey itself.
Infuse the bourbon for exactly two hours. Less and the tea flavor is ghostly; more and the tannins turn it astringent. Two hours gives you a beautiful amber spirit with a clear campfire aroma.
Maple syrup replaces the traditional sugar cube. Its caramel depth pairs naturally with both the bourbon and the tea's pine-smoke notes, creating a richer, more layered sweetness.
For a non-alcoholic version, brew a strong Lapsang, chill it, and mix with maple syrup, orange bitters, and a splash of soda. Serve over a large ice cube in a rocks glass—it's just as moody and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon whiskey
- 1 Lapsang Souchong tea bag
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Large ice cube
How to make it
- 1Infuse bourbon: add tea bag to bourbon in a sealed jar for 2 hours. Remove bag and discard.
- 2In a mixing glass, combine infused bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
- 3Add ice and stir for 30 seconds until well chilled.
- 4Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- 5Express an orange peel over the drink (twist it skin-side down to release oils), then drop it in as garnish.
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