Cool off this summer with a refreshing Apricot Bourbon Iced Tea Cocktail. It’s sweet, tangy, and honestly just what you want on a hot day.

This drink marries the smooth flavor of bourbon with fresh apricots and classic iced tea. It’s a perfect seasonal refreshment, and it’s not fussy either.

You only need four main ingredients: bourbon, fresh apricots, iced tea, and a touch of honey. The ripe apricots bring a natural sweetness that plays nicely with the woody bourbon, and the iced tea keeps things familiar and easy-drinking—even for folks who aren’t usually bourbon fans.

The Apricot Bourbon Iced Tea fits in at a backyard BBQ or a more dressed-up summer party. That amber color and fruity aroma? Pretty irresistible. If you’re hosting a crowd, just double or triple the recipe—no one will complain.

Apricot Bourbon Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail’s all about the sweet apricots, smoky bourbon, and that comforting hit of iced tea. It’s a little bit fancy, but not too much.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Large pitcher (at least 1 quart/32 oz capacity)
Cocktail shaker
Measuring cups and spoons
Muddler or wooden spoon
Fine-mesh strainer
Ice cube tray
Cutting board and knife
Highball glasses

Ingredients

For the apricot syrup:

2 ripe apricots pitted and chopped
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water

For one cocktail:

1½ oz bourbon good quality
1 oz apricot syrup
4 oz freshly brewed black tea cooled
½ oz fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes
Apricot slice and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

Make the apricot syrup: Toss the chopped apricots, sugar, and water into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar’s dissolved.
Turn the heat down and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the apricots soften. Take it off the heat and let it cool for 15 minutes.
Strain everything through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the solids to get all the juice out. Let the syrup cool off completely.

For each cocktail: Fill a highball glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, apricot syrup, cooled tea, and lemon juice.
Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake it hard for about 15 seconds—really go for it—until it’s nice and cold.
Strain into your prepared glass. Drop in an apricot slice and a mint sprig for garnish.

Give it a gentle stir before serving so all the flavors mingle.

Notes

You can tweak this cocktail to your liking. Want it stronger? Bump the bourbon up to 2 oz. Prefer something lighter? Add more tea.

The tea matters, too. Go for a good black tea like English Breakfast or Earl Grey, and brew it a bit stronger than usual.

Skipping the booze? Swap in 1½ oz of apple juice and a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. It’s not quite the same, but it’s still tasty.

Fresh apricots are ideal, but if they’re out of season, you can use 3 tablespoons of a quality apricot preserve for the syrup. It’s a decent stand-in.

Tasting Notes

This Apricot Bourbon Iced Tea Cocktail really nails the balance. You get that warm, oaky bourbon base with hints of vanilla and caramel—it’s cozy, but not heavy.

The apricot brings a gentle sweetness and a little tartness. It’s fruity without being cloying, and it plays well with the bourbon.

Iced tea adds a refreshing, tannic edge that keeps things from getting too rich. Black tea’s the way to go for its bold flavor—anything lighter just doesn’t stand up as well.

Flavor Profile:

First sip: Sweet apricot with bourbon warmth

Mid-palate: Tea tannins and fruit notes
Finish: Lingering bourbon with gentle apricot sweetness

The drink looks gorgeous—golden amber, clear as can be if you strain it right. A slice of apricot or lemon on top makes it pop.

Temperature really changes the experience. As the ice melts, the cocktail mellows out and the tea flavor comes forward. Not a bad thing, honestly.

Pairing Suggestions:

Grilled chicken or pork
Cheese plates (especially with aged cheddar)
Fruit-based desserts
Spicy appetizers

If you want to show off the color and keep things cold, serve in a collins or highball glass. It just works.

Substitute

No apricot bourbon or missing an ingredient? Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to keep the cocktail fun and tasty.

For bourbon, give rye whiskey or dark rum a shot. Both bring a similar warmth and depth that pair nicely with tea and fruit flavors.

If fresh apricots are nowhere to be found, swap in 2 tablespoons of apricot preserves or maybe 3 tablespoons of apricot nectar. Canned apricots (just drain them first) will do in a pinch, too.

Tea Alternatives:

Earl Grey (for a little citrusy twist)
Black tea (packs a stronger punch)
Peach tea (plays up the apricot vibe)

Sweetener Options:

Honey (try about ¾ as much as you’d use sugar)
Agave nectar (half the sugar amount usually works)
Simple syrup (just equal parts sugar and water—easy!)

No lemons? Lime juice or even orange juice can stand in, though the taste will shift a bit.

For a non-alcoholic take, sub out bourbon with apple juice or just more tea. A splash of vanilla extract adds a bit of complexity if you want it.

Apricot Bourbon Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe