Honey Bourbon Lemon Tea Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m always up for experimenting with new drinks at home—especially if I don’t have to hunt down fancy ingredients. Honey Bourbon Lemon Tea is one of those cocktails I keep coming back to because it’s simple, refreshing, and has that sweet-tangy thing going on that just works.

This recipe brings together smooth bourbon, fresh lemon juice, black tea, and honey. It’s cozy, tasty, and perfect for kicking back or sharing with friends.

The first time I tried mixing this up, I didn’t expect the flavors to mesh so well. The honey really softens the sharp lemon and tones down the bourbon’s boldness.

If you’re into drinks that aren’t too sugary, this one might hit the spot.

Honey Bourbon Lemon Tea Cocktail Recipe

You get the mellow bourbon, a punch of lemon, and just enough honey to tie it all together. Making this cocktail is pretty straightforward, and you don’t need a pile of fancy tools or anything.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Bar spoon or just a regular spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother pour)
• Rocks glass or highball glass
• Citrus juicer
• Small bowl (for mixing honey syrup)
• Ice cubes
• Knife and cutting board (for lemon wedges or slices)

These are the basics. I usually grab a shaker to mix things up well, and a jigger helps with not overdoing the bourbon. A knife and board are handy for prepping garnishes.

You probably already have most of this stuff lying around.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, if you want it sweeter)
• 2 oz cooled black tea (unsweetened)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices or wedges (for garnish)
• Extra honey, as needed (add to taste)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Go for fresh lemon juice if you can—it really makes a difference. I like a runny honey that’s easy to stir in.

Black tea is classic here, but honestly, use whatever you love.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cooled black tea.
• Shake it all up for about 10-15 seconds.
• Strain the drink into a rocks or highball glass with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge.
• If you’re feeling fancy, throw on a mint leaf for a little color.
• Taste it, and if you want it sweeter, stir in a bit more honey.

Shaking everything together helps the honey and bourbon blend. Straining keeps things smooth—nobody wants random tea leaves floating around.

Notes

Honey syrup is way easier to mix in than straight honey. Just combine equal parts honey and hot water and stir until it’s dissolved.

Cold black tea gives it that classic cocktail vibe. If you like things less sweet, skip the simple syrup or dial back the honey.

Sometimes I’ll add a splash of ginger beer or sparkling water for a honey bourbon lemonade twist. Store-bought lemonade works in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice is just better—trust me.

Play with the lemon and honey amounts until it tastes right to you. Fresh mint leaves on top look great and add a little herbal kick.

Tasting Notes

So, when I take a sip of this Honey Bourbon Lemon Tea Cocktail, the first thing that hits me is the sweet honey mixing with that smoky bourbon. The honey brings in a gentle sweetness, but honestly, it doesn’t really cover up the bold bourbon flavor.

Then, there’s the lemon—bright and zippy. It cuts through, giving the drink a fresh, tangy kick that somehow keeps things light and refreshing.

In the background, I can taste the tea. It’s subtle, almost earthy, and just kind of ties everything together without trying too hard.

Main Flavors I Taste:

• Sweet honey
• Smoky bourbon
• Fresh lemon
• Light black or green tea

Temperature makes a difference here. If it’s chilled, the lemon pops out more. But when I serve it warm, the honey and bourbon are definitely the stars.

This combo sort of reminds me of a classic tea, but with a grown-up twist. I like that every sip finishes smooth—it’s never too strong or overly sweet, just easy to drink.