How to Brew Lapsang Souchong

How to Brew Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong is one of the most forgiving black teas to brew. Its robust, smoky character holds up well to boiling water and slightly longer steep times, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a full-flavored cup without worrying about precise temperature control. That said, a few simple steps will help you get the best possible result.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil fresh water. Bring fresh, filtered water to a full rolling boil at 100°C (212°F). Unlike delicate green or white teas, Lapsang Souchong benefits from the highest brewing temperature to fully extract its deep, smoky character.

2. Measure your tea. Use 4 grams (about 2 level teaspoons) of loose leaves for every 200 ml (7 oz) of water. The leaves are large and wiry, so they may look like a generous amount — this is normal.

3. Warm your teapot. Pour a splash of boiling water into your teapot, swirl, and discard. This pre-warming step keeps the brewing temperature consistent and improves extraction.

4. Add leaves and pour. Place the measured leaves into the warmed teapot. Pour the boiling water directly over the leaves.

5. Steep for 3 minutes. Three minutes is the sweet spot for most Lapsang Souchong — long enough to develop the full smoky body, short enough to avoid excessive bitterness. If you prefer a lighter, more approachable cup, try 2 minutes. If you want a bold, campfire-forward brew, push it to 4 minutes.

6. Strain and serve. Pour the tea through a strainer into your cup, making sure to empty the pot completely to prevent over-extraction.

Resteeping Guide

Lapsang Souchong can be resteeped twice, and the flavor evolution across infusions is part of the experience.

• Second steep: Use boiling water again and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. The smoke mellows noticeably, and the underlying sweetness and dried fruit notes become more prominent.
• Third steep: Steep for 4 to 5 minutes. The smokiness fades further, revealing a gentle, woody character. This lighter cup can be particularly pleasant after a meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too little leaf: Because the leaves are large and bulky, it is easy to underestimate the correct amount. Weigh your tea if possible for consistency.
• Storing near other teas: Lapsang Souchong's smoke is potent enough to permeate neighboring tea tins. Keep it in its own sealed container, ideally away from your other teas.
• Dismissing it after one sip: The smoky intensity can be surprising at first. Give it a few cups — many tea lovers who initially disliked Lapsang Souchong eventually count it among their favorites.