Sweet Tea and Bourbon

This sweet tea and bourbon is refreshing, delicious and easy to make! It’s a great make ahead cocktail that’s bound to impress your guests!

Who’s dreaming of sitting on a giant wraparound porch in the south with a book and chilled glass of spiked sweet tea? Me, me! I’ve had the south on my mind as Zan and I have been contemplating a trip to New Orleans or maybe Charleston… two charming cities I’ve yet to visit.

Probably because I’m afraid the delightful cobblestone roads and southern charm will hold me back from ever leaving. Yes, I’m that girl who reads all of Nicholas Sparks’ books… I just can’t help it!

Anyway, since country living has been on my mind and the weather in LA has been absolutely perfect, I was craving this cocktail. Read more for the recipe…

How To Make Sweet Tea and Bourbon – Step By Step

Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail

• Add the tea, bourbon and lemon juice in a tall glass and stir. Top with ice, mint leaves and a lemon wedge. Serve ice cold

Sweet Tea Recipe

• Boil 3 cups water, then remove from the heat and add 8 tea bags and mint leaves to steep. 
• Cover and let them sit for 15 minutes. 
• While the tea is still hot, add in the sugar and stir until dissolved.
• Then add in the cool water and mix. 
• Pour the tea into a pitcher or tall jar to store in the refrigerator until cooled.

Sweet Tea and Bourbon – A Great Make Ahead Cocktail

This sweet tea and bourbon is a great cocktail for entertaining because the tea can be made before your friends arrive and all you have to do is add an ounce of bourbon and a dash of lemon juice to a tall glass. It’s one easy and refreshing beverage!

Great Bourbons For This Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail

This cocktail has a lovely mix of sweetness and freshness, getting a good quality bourbon is key to making this beverage balance out nicely. Here are a few suggestions for great bourbon to use

• Bulleit Straight Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon 
• Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Jim Beam White Label Bourbon Whiskey
• Rittenhouse Rye
• Old Overholt

What Does Bourbon Taste Like?

Bourbon’s general flavor profile can be characterized as having big vanilla, oak, and caramel notes. This makes it a perfect whiskey for mixing into cocktails as well as enjoying straight or on the rocks. Bourbons containing rye in the mashbill such as Bulleit Bourbon will have a spicy note.

When it comes to cocktails, it can get quite tribal. There are those who love a gin, some love a vodka cocktail and others gravitate towards a tipple like whiskey or bourbon. Bourbon can have connotations of being heavier, but this sweet tea and bourbon cocktail may change that, it’s light and refreshing. If you’ve avoided bourbon, this may change your mind!

Top Tips For Sweet Tea and Bourbon

• Use the best quality tea bags available to you.
• Ideally use good quality ‘soft’ spring water or filtered water.
• The longer you let the sweet tea mix steep in the fridge, the stronger the flavor.
• Serve with ice, mint and a lemon wedge.
• Make sure to serve ice cold.

Check Out These Other Refreshing Cocktails

A Refreshing Watermelon Punch

Sicilian Kiss Cocktail

Lavender Apple Cocktail

Naturally Sweetened Pineapple Garden Cocktail

Cucumber Cooler Cocktails by Minimalist Baker

The Bootleg Cocktail by Cookie + Kate

If you have tried this sweet tea and bourbon recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!