Treat yourself and your friends to the tart and refreshing Bourbon Sweet Tea.
When I was a kid and we lived some time in Texas, then later in Alabama and Georgia, one of the Southern culinary trends my family jumped on was making a nice, cold and satisfying sweet tea, or sometimes a sun tea. The latter was always a memorable process, as the pitcher was always left out in the hot and fiery Texas sun, which was part of the brewing process.
Thankfully, today’s recipe doesn’t have to be stranded under the hot eye of our solar watcher for hours on end, but can easily be crafted in your kitchen.
The Bourbon Sweet Tea, without the booze, is a sweet and tartly satisfying mixture comprised of freshly brewed black tea, some sugar, lemon juice, and just a pinch of baking soda to take some of the bitterness out of each sip, resulting in a smoother experience. Now, when the bourbon is added, something extra special swirls with the other flavors. Now you have a smoky, spiced finish, with hints of caramel, oak and vanilla. A Kentucky tradition has now melded with the old school charms of sweet tea, and another summertime mix you can make at any time is born.
What is the best bourbon to use in a Bourbon Sweet Tea?
There are plenty of bourbons you can choose from when out shopping for some spirits. I’ve spoken before of my love of High West and Bulleit, as both are reasonably priced for some fairly high-shelf stuff. Jim Beam is also a great place to start; it’s a smooth sip with a spicy edge. Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve have also provided me and my friends with some unforgettable evenings, just talking and spending time together.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water divided
- 6 black tea bags
- A pinch of baking soda optional but recommended for smoother tea
- 1 cup white sugar
- 9 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 6 dashes bitters
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags and the pinch of baking soda (if using). Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove and discard the tea bags. Stir in the granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Pour the hot tea mixture into your large pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Refrigerate the sweet tea until it is thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours.
- Once the sweet tea is chilled, pour in the bourbon, lemon juice and dashes of bitters. Stir well to combine.
- Fill individual glasses with ice. Tall glasses or mason jars are perfect. Pour the Bourbon Sweet Tea over the ice and garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of mint.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Take that lovely and large glass pitcher out of the cupboard and mix your Bourbon Sweet Tea into it. Pour individual servings into rocks glasses over ice and with some fresh sprigs of mint and lemon wheels for garnish.
Can you make this recipe with whiskey?
Of course. While bourbon adds some richness and complexity to each sip, a rye whiskey, for example, will give some extra heat and a spicy edge on the finish, making for a slightly more peppery drink.
Similar drinks to the Bourbon Sweet Tea
Bourbon, straight up or on the rocks, is my go-to tipple when I can’t decide on a cocktail, or I’m in-between moods, if you will. And oftentimes I’ll take one sip, then immediately figure out what refreshing and biting beverage I can mix up with the smoky spirit. Check out some of these cold and crisp recipes from Twist & Toast to get a few ideas of your own.
- Peach Bourbon Smash – A fruity heaping of good ol’ Southern flavor is in this cocktail.
- Bourbon Rickey – Here’s a classic libation that has stood the test of time.
- Bourbon Sour – I drank an entire bottle of High West making these and lived to tell the tale.
- Bourbon Milk Punch – Relax with this creamy and smoky concoction.
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