If you love a spritz that feels crisp, refreshing, and just a little dramatic, the Lapsang Cranberry Spritz is one you’ll want in your holiday rotation.

Cranberry brings bright tartness, simple syrup softens the edges, and then the Lapsang Souchong tea steps in with that subtle smoky note that makes the whole drink feel extra cozy.

Add bubbles on top—soda water or prosecco—and suddenly you’ve got a stunning, sparkling sipper that looks party-ready without trying too hard.

I love smoky cocktails, but mezcal or whiskey isn’t always what a cocktail needs. I turn to tea a lot of the time when I want to add a flavor. It’s cheaper than more alcohols on my shelf, and since I’m allergic to mezcal, it still allows me to have a smoky margarita when needed.

Why This Cocktail Works

Cranberry adds bright tartness
It keeps the drink crisp and lively.

Lapsang tea adds smoky depth
Just enough to feel wintery and interesting—never overpowering.

Simple syrup balances everything
A splash of sweetness rounds out the edges of the cranberry and tea.

Bubbles make it festive
Soda water for lighter spritz vibes; prosecco for a sparkling holiday moment.

Holiday Twist

Add 0.25–0.5 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec) for a citrusy glow that pairs well with the smoky tea and tart cranberry.

Mocktail Version

Skip the vodka and bump up the other flavors:

• Add more cranberry juice
• Add a little extra Lapsang brew for depth
• Top with soda water

Still garnish it the same way—mocktails deserve to look just as good.

Home Bar Tips

Chill your tea fully.
Warm tea melts the ice too fast and washes out the flavor.

Taste your cranberry juice.
Some brands are sweeter than others—adjust simple syrup as needed.

Prosecco will make it sweeter.
If you want a drier spritz, stick with soda water.

Don’t skip the garnish.
Floating cranberries look gorgeous in a wine glass and instantly feel festive, but sugared cranberries give your drink a little extra sparkle, and a snack.

Troubleshooting

“It’s too smoky.”

• Reduce Lapsang to 0.25 oz
• Dilute the brew slightly next time

“It’s too tart.”

• Add a little more simple syrup
• Use a sweeter prosecco

“It’s too sweet.”

• Use soda water instead of prosecco
• Reduce simple syrup

“It tastes flat.”

• Add more bubbles
• Add a squeeze of orange or a splash more cranberry

How to Brew Lapsang Souchong Tea for Cocktails

Lapsang Souchong is naturally smoky, so brewing it a bit stronger gives your spritz a rich, woodsy backbone.

• Use 1 tea bag or 1 tsp loose leaf per 4 oz water
• Steep 5 minutes
• Cool completely before using in cocktails

It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Lapsang Cranberry Spritz Recipe

Glass: Wine glass
Ice: Fill the glass with ice

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1.5 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz brewed Lapsang Souchong (strong, cooled)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Soda water or prosecco (to top)
• Garnish: Fresh or sugared cranberries

Instructions

Fill a wine glass with ice.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, Lapsang brew, and simple syrup.
Stir gently.
Top with soda water or prosecco for bubbles.
Garnish with fresh or sugared cranberries.