Smoky Citrus Rye Stir
A bold rye whiskey cocktail with a smoky touch balanced by fresh citrus and subtle sweetness, perfect for an evening unwind. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 1/4 oz Lapsang Souchong tea (strongly brewed and cooled)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 piece lemon twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice cubes and pour in 2 oz rye whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz maple syrup, and 1/4 oz cooled Lapsang Souchong tea.
- Step 2: Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express a wide lemon twist over the glass to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Citrus Rye Stir take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Smoky Citrus Rye Stir?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky citrus rye stir in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Citrus Rye Stir?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoky Citrus Rye Stir for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoky Citrus Rye Stir?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
