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Jasmine Yuzu Sparkler
This sparkling tea mocktail combines the delicate floral notes of jasmine green tea with the sharp, aromatic citrus of yuzu and a touch of honey.
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tea forward sparkling · alcohol-free
Smoky Mandarin Tea Cooler
This sparkling tea cooler combines the bold, pine-smoked notes of Lapsang Souchong with vibrant mandarin citrus and a touch of warm cinnamon spice.
Editorial recipe guidanceThis page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim.
Prep time
10 minutes
Total time
15 minutes plus tea chilling
Serves
1
Difficulty
Easy
Bright & refreshing
A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.
Simple ingredients
Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.
Perfect for occasions
Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.
- 3 oz brewed Lapsang Souchong tea (cooled)
- 2 oz fresh mandarin juice
- 0.5 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- 3 oz sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- 1 whole star anise (garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Prepare the glass
1. Brew the Lapsang Souchong tea by steeping one tea bag or one teaspoon of loose leaves in 4 ounces of hot water for three minutes, then strain and let cool completely.
- 2
Build the drink
2. Fill a tall highball glass or a large wine glass with fresh ice cubes until it is nearly full.
- 3
Add the finishing touch
3. Pour the cooled Lapsang Souchong tea, fresh mandarin juice, and cinnamon syrup into the glass over the ice.
- 4
Garnish & serve
4. Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon for ten seconds to combine the flavors and chill the liquid.
- 5
Garnish & serve
5. Top the glass with chilled sparkling water, pouring slowly to maintain the carbonation.
- 6
Garnish & serve
6. Give the drink one final, very brief stir to integrate the bubbles without degassing the beverage.
- 7
Garnish & serve
7. Garnish the top of the drink with a single whole star anise for a subtle aromatic finish.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed mandarin juice rather than bottled orange juice to ensure the specific floral sweetness characteristic of mandarins is present.
- Steep the tea for exactly three minutes; over-steeping Lapsang Souchong can lead to an overwhelming bitterness that masks the delicate citrus notes.
- Chill all liquid components, including the sparkling water and the tea, before assembly to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and diluting the flavor.
Make It Your Own
For a crowd: To serve a group, prepare a large batch of the base by mixing 24 ounces of cooled Lapsang Souchong tea, 16 ounces of mandarin juice, and 4 ounces of cinnamon syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. When guests arrive, fill individual glasses with ice, pour the tea mixture until each glass is half full, and top with chilled sparkling water. Garnish each glass individually with star anise to ensure the aromatics are fresh for every serving.
Easy swaps: Substitute Lapsang Souchong with a strong Russian Caravan tea blend for a slightly less intense smoky flavor. Use tangerine or clementine juice if mandarins are out of season, as they offer a similar sweetness and acidity. Replace the cinnamon syrup with a simple maple syrup and a pinch of ground cinnamon for a deeper, earthier sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular black tea instead of Lapsang Souchong?
While regular black tea works, you will lose the signature smoky profile that defines this specific cooler concept.
Is the star anise garnish necessary for the flavor?
The star anise provides an essential aromatic component that hits the nose before the first sip, enhancing the perceived complexity.
How long does the brewed tea last in the fridge?
The brewed Lapsang Souchong tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to twenty-four hours before losing its freshness.
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