A Smoky Bourbon Cocktail with Kangaroo Lapsang Tea

Looking for the perfect gift, or an unforgettable weekend adventure? Start with a journey through the Hudson Valley Distillery Trail, and end with a beautifully crafted cocktail at home.

Explore the region together. From Westchester to Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess Counties, you'll find an incredible variety of locally distilled spirits made by expert distillers and coopers. Using the bounty of the region’s farms, these distilleries produce fine bourbons, ryes, gins, and vodkas, each telling a story of craftsmanship and terroir.

When the day winds down, bring the experience home with a truly unique cocktail. This smoky bourbon drink blends the bold character of a classic 80+ proof bourbon with  Kangaroo Lapsang, a naturally smoky loose leaf tea from Taiwan, available from TeadayTea.

The Kangaroo Lapsang Bourbon Cocktail

This cocktail is perfect for sipping slowly by a fire or sharing with friends after a long day exploring. It uses a housemade lapsang tea syrup to create a balance of smoke, sweet, and citrus.

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 ounces bourbon
• ½ oz Kangaroo Lapsang tea syrup*
• 2 dashes Scrappy’s Black Lemon Bitters
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Lemon peel for garnish

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients to a chilled rocks glass or short tumbler.
2. Add one large ice cube and stir gently with a chopstick or bar spoon.
3. Express the lemon peel over the drink and drop it in as garnish.
4. Sip and savor.

 

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How to Make Kangaroo Lapsang Tea Syrup

Ingredients

• 3 tsp Kangaroo Lapsang loose leaf tea (from TeadayTea)
• 8 oz sugar
• 16 oz water

Instructions

1. Combine tea, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium, stirring to dissolve sugar.
3. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
4. Let steep for 3 minutes.
5. Strain and let cool before bottling.

Use within 1–2 weeks and store in the refrigerator.