Our Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail blends familiar Southern flavors with a bold bourbon backbone. If you enjoy the layered complexity of a Long Island Iced Tea or the cool refreshment of an Arnold Palmer, this cocktail delivers a balanced, drinkable summer sipper that bourbon lovers will return to again and again.
Bright, lightly sweet, and aromatic, this drink pairs the caramel and vanilla notes of good bourbon with tea, citrus, and a hint of mint. It’s a casual yet refined cocktail that works for backyard gatherings, Derby parties, or simply a slow afternoon on the porch.
Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail
I enjoy bourbon neat and on the rocks, but mixing quality bourbon into a simple, well-balanced cocktail can be equally satisfying. This recipe was designed for long, hot days and tastes like summer in a glass: cold, citrusy, and just boozy enough to be comforting without overpowering the tea.
The combination of bourbon, tea, lemonade, and mint keeps the drink lively and approachable. Using an Arnold Palmer-style tea (half tea, half lemonade) gives the cocktail a sunny citrus brightness that complements the deeper notes of the bourbon.
Enjoy this Bourbon Sweet Tea on hot summer days or whenever you want a refreshing, bourbon-forward cocktail.
For convenience, quality Arnold Palmer-style mixers or organic tea cocktail mixers work well here, though you can also make your own tea and lemonade for a fresher approach.
What You’ll Need
Bourbon: Choose a mixing bourbon with good caramel, vanilla, and light oak notes. A sour mash bourbon can add extra sweetness and depth, but use any bourbon you enjoy.
Honey Simple Syrup: A 1:1 mixture of honey and hot water dissolves easily and gives the cocktail a natural, floral sweetness. I use raw honey, but any variety will work.
Aromatic or Citrus Bitters: A couple of dashes adds complexity and balances the sweet and bright elements.
Fresh Mint: Muddled gently to release oils, mint adds a cool herbal note without overwhelming the drink.
Arnold Palmer Tea: Equal parts iced tea and lemonade make a lively base. You can use a premade mixer or homemade sun tea plus lemonade.
Garnish and Ice: Lemon slices and a sprig of mint brighten the presentation. Cracked or cubed ice works fine depending on your preference.
Why You’ll Love It
- Boozy but balanced
- Refreshing and bright
- Easy to prepare
- Ideal for warm-weather entertaining
- Great for Kentucky Derby and backyard parties
Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out. It’s a cocktail you can make by the glass or scale up for a pitcher to serve a group.
How to Make a Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 5–6 ice cubes for shaking (plus more to serve)
- 2–3 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 ounce honey simple syrup
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes citrus or aromatic bitters
- 3 1/2 ounces Arnold Palmer-style tea (half tea, half lemonade)
- Lemon wedges and mint sprig for garnish
Directions
- Place 2–3 mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle gently to release the oils.
- Add 5–6 ice cubes, the honey simple syrup, bourbon, bitters, and Arnold Palmer tea.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with cracked ice or regular ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh mint, and serve immediately.
FAQs
Is bourbon good in tea?
Yes. Bourbon’s sweet, oaky flavors pair well with tea. Sweet tea or an Arnold Palmer-style mix balances bourbon nicely while allowing the spirit’s caramel and vanilla notes to shine.
What is an Arnold Palmer?
An Arnold Palmer is a 50/50 mix of iced tea and lemonade. The lemon brightens the drink and pairs beautifully with bourbon and mint.
Where can I find honey simple syrup?
You can buy ready-made honey syrup or make it at home by stirring equal parts hot water and honey until dissolved. Cool and store it refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Can I use sweet tea instead?
Yes. If you prefer sweeter drinks, use sweet tea in place of the Arnold Palmer mix. If you use unsweetened tea, the honey syrup will still provide sweetness.
What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
Use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or any sealable container. Shake vigorously to chill and combine the ingredients.
Can I make a pitcher?
Yes. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and stir well in a pitcher. Chill and serve over ice with lemon and mint garnishes.
Other Iced Tea Cocktail Ideas
Try variations such as a mint julep with sweet tea, a fruit-forward tea smash, or a tea-based punch to suit different occasions and palates.
This post includes affiliate links.
Created 3/2020 | Updated 7/2022