Sneaky Peat

A sophisticated cocktail that combines smooth Scotch whisky with the complex flavors of oolong tea, tart cranberries, and bright citrus. This large-format cocktail is perfect for entertaining and can be prepared ahead of time.

8 servings
12 hr 45 min

Ingredients

  • cups Scotch
  • tablespoons Angostura bitters
  • 2 cups chilled extra-strong oolong
  • 1⅛ cups chilled cranberry syrup
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 bags oolong tea bags
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon Scotch
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 8 wheels lemon

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    At least 2 hours and up to 2 days before serving, make the batch.

    120 min

  2. 2.

    Pour Scotch, bitters, chilled extra-strong oolong, chilled cranberry syrup, and water into a 2-quart pitcher and stir to mix. Seal well, covering with plastic wrap if needed, and refrigerate.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Up to 2 hours before serving, prepare lemon juice and stir into pitcher mix. Reseal and return to refrigerator if not serving immediately.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    To serve, stir mixture well, then garnish pitcher with cranberries and lemon wheels. Pour into ice-filled teacups.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    In a small lidded saucepan, bring water to a bare simmer over medium-high heat. As soon as you spot the first bubble, add tea bags, cover pan, remove from heat, and let steep for 8 to 10 hours. Strain, seal, and refrigerate until chilled or for up to 2 days.

    600 min

  6. 6.

    Combine water, sugar, and cranberries in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. When cranberries begin to pop, use a wooden spoon to crush them against side of pan and remove pan from heat. Let cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a resealable container, pressing on solids to extract all remaining liquid. (Don't discard the cooked fruit! It's great over yogurt or ice cream.) If storing syrup more than a few days, stir in Scotch. Refrigerate until chilled or for up to 2 weeks.

    30 min