Southern Sweet Tea Cocktail Recipe

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Southern Sweet Tea is a classic drink, especially on those blazing summer days. It’s got deep roots in Southern culture and hospitality.

With just a few tweaks, this old favorite turns into a cocktail that’s honestly hard to resist. The Southern Sweet Tea Cocktail blends sweet tea with bourbon, fresh lemon, and mint, landing somewhere between sweet and spirited.

It’s great for backyard barbecues, family get-togethers, or just when you want your tea to pack a little punch. Making it doesn’t call for anything fancy—most folks already have what they need at home.

The best part? You can whip this up in under five minutes, so it’s perfect if guests drop by out of the blue.

Southern Sweet Tea Cocktail Recipe

Southern Sweet Tea Cocktail Recipe
This drink is a mix of classic Southern sweet tea and a splash of something stronger. It’s a breeze to put together—no need to be a pro bartender.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Tall cocktail glass or mason jar
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Long bar spoon
  • Ice bucket
  • Strainer
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients

For the Sweet Tea Base:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 lemon sliced

For the Cocktail:

  • 2 oz bourbon or vodka
  • 4 oz prepared sweet tea
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Make the sweet tea: Boil the water and let the tea bags steep for about 5 minutes. Toss in the sugar while it’s still hot and stir until it’s all dissolved.
  • Let the tea cool all the way down.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add your bourbon or vodka, 4 oz of cooled sweet tea, and a splash of fresh lemon juice.
  • Shake it up for around 15 seconds, or until the shaker feels good and cold on the outside.
  • Grab your glass and fill it with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into it.
  • Garnish with a lemon slice and a few mint leaves. Smack the mint between your hands first—it’s weird, but it wakes up the aroma.

Notes

If you’re making these for a crowd, just multiply everything and mix it up in a big pitcher. Hold off on the ice and garnishes until right before serving, or you’ll end up with a watered-down mess.
Try swapping in peach or raspberry tea for a twist. Some folks even splash in peach schnapps for a Georgia spin—why not?
Leftover sweet tea base keeps in the fridge for up to three days. Oddly enough, the flavor gets better after a day or so.
Craving a little heat? Muddle some fresh ginger in the shaker before the rest goes in. It adds a nice warmth that plays off the sweetness.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

Sweet tea cocktails are kind of like summer in a glass, with that familiar comfort and a little edge from the liquor.

The first sip? It’s all about layers. You get the strong black tea first, then the sugary hit, and finally the booze sneaks up at the end with a gentle heat.

The bourbon or vodka hangs out in the background—it’s there, but it doesn’t boss the drink around.

Flavor Profile:

  • Sweetness: High (totally adjustable)
  • Alcohol: Medium
  • Acidity: Low-Medium
  • Body: Medium

Lemon perks things up and keeps it from getting cloying. Mint? It’s not just for looks—it really does make things more refreshing, especially when it’s hot out.

Crushed ice is your friend here. It chills fast and doesn’t water the drink down too much as it melts.

If you want something lighter, a splash of soda water adds bubbles and gives the whole thing a lift. It’s a fun touch.

There’s a lingering aftertaste—tea, caramel from the bourbon, maybe a little citrus. It’s the kind of drink that disappears faster than you expect. So, maybe make a second batch?

Substitute

If you can’t find sweet tea, or maybe you’re just itching to experiment with your Southern Sweet Tea Cocktail, there are plenty of ways to mix things up.

For the base, unsweetened tea with a splash of simple syrup works. It’s nice because you get to tweak the sweetness just how you like it.

Trying to skip the caffeine? You could swap in decaf black tea, or even go for something herbal—rooibos is a solid choice for color and a mellow flavor, without the buzz.

Spirit Substitutions:

  • Bourbon → Rye whiskey or dark rum
  • Vodka → White rum or gin
  • Rum → Whiskey or brandy

Sweetener Options:

  • Simple syrup → Honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup
  • Sugar → Brown sugar or coconut sugar if you’re after a different vibe

Fruit Additions:

  • Lemon → Lime, orange, or even grapefruit
  • Peach → Strawberry, blackberry, or raspberry—honestly, any berry you love could work

Want to keep it booze-free? Just skip the spirits and pour in more tea, maybe some fruit juice, or even a splash of soda water. A dash of non-alcoholic bitters can add a little depth if you’re feeling fancy.

And if mint’s not your thing, try basil, rosemary, or thyme. Each one brings its own little twist to the aroma.

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Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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