I’d smile at rum. Coy… but not really coy.
I’d say hello to vodka. I’d wave, and smile with teeth.
I’d totally make out with gin… tonic and lime everywhere.
But bourbon. I’d marry bourbon… as long as bourbon understands that I often stay up until 3 am writing silly blog posts, with a scarf on my head, a shaky leg, and post-it notes everywhere. But I have a feeling that bourbon understands me. I’m not too worried.
Little itty bitty kitchen peek.
What is pleasantly cropped out of this picture is my cat in the kitchen sink attacking the dirty kitchen sponge.
Livin’ classy.
I’m fairly certain that we’re approaching the time of year when it’s reasonable to drink uncanny amounts of sweetener in cold, black tea.
It seems only natural to add fresh mint, muddled orange and bourbon.
This cocktail is simple, uncomplicated, refreshing, easy to drink, and a really lovely celebration of mid-spring.
You know it’s going to be summer soon, right? There are short dresses and summer heels in my future. Oh man. I need tan lotion and tea.
Sweet Tea Bourbon Cocktail with fresh mint and orange
6 cups water
4 or 5 black tea bags
1/4 cup agave syrup (honey will do too)
1/4 to 1/2 cup bourbon (depending on how strong you want your cocktail)
4 to 6 sliced orange rounds
6 sprigs fresh mint
lots of ice
Bring water to a boil. Turn off water and add black tea bags. Steep tea for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, place the tea in a large pitcher and let rest in the refrigerator until cold.
Place agave, bourbon, orange slices and fresh mint in a medium bowl. It the back of a spoon, begin to muddle (or press together) the ingredients. The oranges will release some juice, the mint will become fragrant, and the bourbon will tickle your nose. It’ll smell delicious. Once the mixture is pressed together, and the flavors are extracted, add the mixture to the pitcher of tea. Stir well. ((Feel free to strain the orange wedges and the mint leaves before pouring into the pitcher of tea, if you’d like.))
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour sweet, boozy tea over ice. Enjoy. Drink it up.
Happy When Not Hungry
Wow these cocktails look delicious! Def perfect for this weekend!
kristina
Hey Joy! I am moving to Oklahoma from Rhode Island in a few months and they loooove their sweet tea down there. I guess I will just have to hit up the bourbon trail on the drive down!
herheatherness
Just the cocktail for the Derby this weekend!! So much better than a Mint Julep……Now where did I put my hat?
Heather (Heather's Dish)
i have to say, bourbon is one of my favorite liquors out there. so much flavor! and i love that rather than using a sweet tea mix you actually made sweet tea. heaven!
Rach
We’ve had seriously magnificent weather here in Amsterdam – I’m talking wildflowers, sunshine, cherry blossoms, the works. Learning to make cocktails is on my List of Grown-Up Things I Want To Do (along with waxing my legs instead of shaving, regularly ironing my clothes, and having dinner parties where the plates match and everyone has a proper chair). This looks like exactly the thing to take on a Sunday boatride along a glittering Dutch canal. Totally making this!
Sephira
mmmmmmmmmmmmm bourbon <3
Looks really good, great idea!
xx Seph
laura
LOVE LOVE LOVE bourbon and tea!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
This sounds like the perfect cocktail for Derby Weekend :)
Eliz. K
JUST what I was thinking!
Thanks Joy!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
Bourbon and brown liquors in general are not usually my thing…but, I’d be very willing to break my own rules b/c your cocktail looks stellar!
Have you ever tried sweet tea vodka? I hadnt til about a year ago and it kinda was life changing. I think you’d love it!
Michellie Belle
Is the sweet tea vodka as simple as it sounds? Sweet tea, and vodka? MMM that DOES sound life changing. ;-)
Jennifer in SC
It’s actually a brand called “Firefly” made in SC. Really good stuff!
katescakesandbaked
Hey Joy, please may we see a pic if your gorgeous cat attacking the dirty sponge? Your cat could be the new internet-cat sensation!
Brilliant bourbon too.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
The perfect summer cocktail! Makes me miss Atlanta!
Jill in Atlanta
My first thought was that Joy needs to visit down here in the South!
Three-Cookies
Nice innovation. Tea is healthy, it has antioxidants. Orange is healthy too. This is almost a health drink. I only wish my parents endorse regular consumption of copious amounts:)
kimberlycun
i.feel.thirsty.need.this.now
Kathryn
I see a lot of boozy tea in my future…
Also, I love your cocktail glasses. They make your drink look even more elegant and classy.
coffeeaddict
Not really a burbon fan myself, prefer single malt, aged at least 12 years, scotch. But I could be persuaded to try this ;-P