Enchanted Ember

A sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktail that captures the essence of warmth and transformation. Smoky Lapsang Souchong tea provides a complex base, while blood orange and fresh ginger create a spicy-sweet harmony. The addition of honey and black pepper brings warmth and depth, making this alcohol-free option just as intriguing as its spirited counterparts.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz spiced blood orange reduction*

  • 0.75 oz fresh ginger juice

  • 2 oz strong-brewed Lapsang Souchong tea

  • 0.5 oz honey and black pepper syrup**

  • 3 drops bitter citrus tincture***

  • Cinnamon stick for smoking

  • Dried citrus wheel for garnish

*Spiced Blood Orange Reduction:

  • 2 cups fresh blood orange juice

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 4 cardamom pods

  • Reduce by half over low heat, strain

**Honey Black Pepper Syrup:

  • 1 cup honey

  • 0.5 cup water

  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

  • Heat until combined, steep 20 minutes, strain

***Bitter Citrus Tincture:

  • Orange peel, grapefruit peel, gentian root

  • High-proof neutral spirit

  • Infuse for 2 weeks, strain

Instructions

  1. Brew Lapsang Souchong tea double-strength and let cool slightly.

  2. In a mixing vessel, combine blood orange reduction, fresh ginger juice, and honey black pepper syrup.

  3. Add the cooled tea and stir to combine.

  4. Add bitter citrus tincture.

  5. Light a cinnamon stick and place under an inverted glass cloche.

  6. Let smoke fill the cloche for 30 seconds.

  7. Remove cinnamon stick and quickly pour the cocktail mixture into the smoke-filled cloche.

  8. Garnish with a dried citrus wheel.

Notes

  • Blood orange reduction will keep refrigerated for 1 week

  • Honey pepper syrup will keep refrigerated for 2 weeks

  • Fresh ginger juice should be made day-of

  • Best served in a rocks glass or small goblet with the cloche presentation

  • Can be served hot or room temperature

  • For less smoke flavor, reduce smoking time

Pairs well with: Spiced desserts, dark chocolate, or as a sophisticated evening sipper.

Alternative serving: Can be served in a teapot with smoking ingredients for larger groups