Lapsang Souchong is one of the world’s most distinctive teas. Learn about the smoky black tea, how to steep it, what it tastes like and why it may be even better in your kitchen than in your teacup.
What is Lapsang Souchong?
Lapsang Souchong is a Chinese black tea that is known for its smoky characteristics.
The tea originated in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, China and it comes from Camellia sinensis, the same plant used to make all true teas. What makes Lapsang Souchong different is the way the leaves are processed. While other black teas are usually steamed or fired, Lapsang Souchong tea leaves are dried over pinewood smoke.
This process gives the tea its unmistakable smoky aroma and flavour that can be similar to a campfire. Depending on the tea, you may also notice woody, piney, earthy, malty, fruity or slightly sweet notes underneath the smoke.
If you’ve never knowingly had Lapsang Souchong on its own, there’s a chance you’ve already tasted it in a Russian Caravan blend. Traditionally, Russian Caravan is a blend of teas, often including Lapsang Souchong, which gives the blend its characteristic smoky quality. However, since it is a blend, the smoky flavour is much lighter than what you would experience with Lapsang Souchong on its own.
How to Make Lapsang Souchong Tea
To prepare this black tea you will need:
- Water: Freshly boiled (100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Lapsang Souchong tea: 1-2 teaspoons (loose leaf) or 1 tea bag
- Teaware: Teapot and/or mug with infuser basket or tea strainer
- Optional: Milk or Sweetener (ie. sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Find a printable recipe card below with the full measurements and directions, too!
Step 1: Pour warm water into your steeping vessel (teapot or mug), swirl it around carefully then discard the water. This step will warm the teapot or mug which will help retain heat and steep the tea properly.
Step 2: Add tea leaves to the warm teapot or infuser mug. Pour freshly boiled water over the tea, cover the teapot or mug with a lid or small plate and steep for 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: If using a teapot without an infuser, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the tea leaves. If using an infuser in the teapot or mug, remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
Step 4: If desired, add a splash of milk and/or sweetener of your choice to the cup. Stir, sip and enjoy!
Cooking with Lapsang Souchong Tea
I’ll be honest, Lapsang Souchong is not my favourite tea to drink. It can sometimes be a little too smoky for me to reach for regularly. But, I still like to always have some in my tea cupboard because it is actually one of my favourite teas to cook with!
If you find the smoky flavour profile too intense, you might find it more useful in the kitchen. It can add a smoky and savoury depth to recipes. There are 2 simple ways to use it:
- Infuse it into a liquid: Steep the smoky tea in milk, water, broth etc. then strain the tea leaves before continuing with your recipe. This works well for desserts, soups, sauces and more. Usually when a recipe calls for liquid smoke I just use a lapsang souchong tea concentrate instead!
- Use the dry tea leaves: Finely grind or chop the tea leaves and use them directly. This works well for spice rubs, mushrooms, baked goods, dressings, savoury seasoning blends.
Lapsang Souchong Tea Infused Recipes
As mentioned, this smoked black tea is my favourite tea to use when cooking with tea. I have a few recipes on my blog and others that you can check out and try.
- Smoky Maple Tea Latte
- Smoked Butterscotch Tea Latte
- Coconut “Bacon” with Lapsang Souchong
- Lapsang Souchong Old Fashioned
- Smoked Tea Marshmallows from Sprinkle Bakes
- Lapsang Souchong Tofu from Guava Rose
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lapsang Souchong taste like?
This black tea has a bold, smoky flavour with notes of pine, wood and a slightly earthy sweetness. Some Lapsang Souchong is incredibly smoky, while other versions are softer and more balanced.
Can you drink Lapsang Souchong with milk?
Yes, if desired. Milk can soften the smoky flavour and create a smoother cup.
Can you cook with Lapsang Souchong tea?
Absolutely! Lapsang Souchong is particularly good in chocolate desserts, hot chocolate, sauces, syrups and savoury dishes where you want to add a smoky flavour.
Does Lapsang Souchong contain caffeine?
Yes, as this is a black tea it naturally contains caffeine.
Lapsang Souchong
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons Lapsang Souchong black tea (loose leaf) or 1 tea bag
- 1 cup water freshly boiled (100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Sweetener and milk optional
Instructions
- Pour warm water into your steeping vessel (teapot or mug), swirl it around carefully then discard the water. This step will warm the teapot or mug which will help retain heat and steep the tea properly.
- Add the Lapsang Souchong tea leaves or tea bag to the warm teapot or infuser mug. Pour freshly boiled water over the tea, cover the teapot or mug with a lid or small plate and steep for 3-4 minutes.
- If using a teapot without an infuser, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the tea leaves. If using an infuser in the teapot or mug, remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
- If desired, add a splash of milk and/or sweetener of your choice to the cup. Stir, sip and enjoy!