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.
Matt
This looks amazing. Would it work with Jack Daniel’s or do I need to go buy some bourbon?
JamieAnne
Oh My Goodness! That looks so good. I need to add oranges to my shopping list. Great recipe!
Coby
Never tried bourbon, hubby says he likes it, I think I’ll give this one a go! Thanks Joy…
*love*
Gabby @ Gabby's Gfree
If I could, I would marry bourbon – we would have one real classy wedding. If only….
At least I am marrying a guy who loves bourbon as much as I do.
Melba/OutAThyme
Somebody make me one of these for Mother’s Day! PLEEEASE!!!
cindy ensley
i’m a big fan of sweet tea…and cocktails…and bourbon. I’m gonna make this in the summertime for reals.
hilary
OMG my sister emailed me this recipe and we are going to try it this summer for sure. I love Bourbon so I sure that I am going to love it. Thank you for sharing
Kristina Vanni
Wow…I need to make these STAT! I am starting to really enjoy bourbon and this sounds like a great way to indulge :) Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with all of us at Camp Blogaway. I didn’t get a chance to chat with you last weekend, but I look forward to getting to know you better through your wonderful blog!
ellen
I will start a campaign to replace the Mint Julep. Happy Derby Day from KY!!
Stephanie
I rarely even think about bourbon in the summer, and I don’t care for sweet-tea… but I gotta say, this just sounds like a sunny Saturday afternoon in heaven!
Kat @ Cupcake Kat
I love all the colors in your photos. This sounds like such a nice classy drink
Andrea
Remember to buy the flowers! :)