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Refreshing Derby Day Sweet Tea Bourbon Cocktail

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A simple and delicious cocktail that balances smoky bourbon with crisp southern sweet tea, perfect for summer parties and Derby Day celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 black tea bags
  • 4 cups (1 liter) water
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • A handful of mint leaves
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Remove from heat, add 4 black tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes.
  2. While the tea steeps, combine 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar with 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves completely, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Remove tea bags from the brewed tea, gently squeezing out the last drops. Stir the simple syrup into the hot tea until fully combined. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  4. Once cooled, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice and 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher filled with plenty of ice cubes. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves and let chill for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve poured into ice-filled glasses, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprig of mint. Optionally, add a splash of sparkling water for fizz.

Notes

Use a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon like Bulleit or Maker’s Mark for best flavor. Make simple syrup to dissolve sugar fully. Chill cocktail with ice and mint to meld flavors. Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or adding more lemon juice. For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet tea bourbon cocktail, Derby Day cocktail, summer cocktail, bourbon drink, southern cocktail, easy cocktail recipe

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/refreshing-derby-day-sweet-tea-bourbon-cocktail-recipe-easy-homemade-drink-for-summer-parties/