When the temperature rises and you’re craving something refreshingly boozy yet sophisticated, this Bourbon Slush with Tea is your new best friend. Combining the smooth warmth of bourbon with the delicate, earthy notes of brewed tea, this slush offers a perfect balance of flavors and a cooling sensation that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a lazy afternoon on the porch, or looking for a unique cocktail to impress friends, this frozen concoction is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
The infusion of tea adds a subtle depth and complexity, making this bourbon slush stand out from your typical frozen cocktails. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize the tea type and sweetness level to suit your taste.
Ready to shake (or blend) things up? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this bourbon slush with tea will quickly become a seasonal favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bourbon slush recipe is a delightful twist on traditional frozen cocktails. Here’s why it’s bound to become your go-to drink:
- Balanced flavor profile: The tea lends an aromatic, slightly tannic edge that complements the caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon.
- Perfect for hot days: Served ice-cold and slushy, it’s incredibly refreshing and cooling.
- Simple to make: With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can whip this up in minutes.
- Customizable: Use black tea, green tea, or even herbal teas to alter the flavor to your liking.
- Elegant presentation: It looks as good as it tastes, perfect for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed tea (black tea recommended, cooled)
- 1/2 cup bourbon (choose your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Equipment
- Blender (high-speed recommended for smooth slush)
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pitcher or large mixing bowl
- Glasses for serving (preferably chilled)
- Tea infuser or strainer (if using loose leaf tea)
Instructions
- Brew the tea: Start by steeping your tea leaves or tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 5-7 minutes, depending on desired strength. Remove tea bags or strain leaves, then allow the tea to cool completely. For faster cooling, place it in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the sweetener: If using honey, warm it slightly to make it easier to mix. Alternatively, prepare simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat, then cool.
- Combine ingredients: In your blender, add the cooled tea, bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and sweetener. Blend briefly to combine.
- Add ice: Add 2 cups of ice cubes to the blender. Blend on high until the mixture becomes slushy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust consistency and sweetness: If the slush is too thick, add a splash of tea or bourbon; if too thin, add more ice and blend again. Taste and add more honey or lemon juice if necessary.
- Serve immediately: Pour the bourbon slush into chilled glasses. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint for an inviting presentation.
Tips & Variations
“Experiment with different tea varieties to personalize your bourbon slush. Earl Grey adds floral notes, while smoky Lapsang Souchong creates a bold twist.”
- Tea Choices: Black tea is classic, but green tea or rooibos can add unique flavors.
- Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey or simple syrup for different nuances.
- Fruit Infusions: Add frozen berries or muddled peaches for extra color and taste.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit bourbon and add extra tea or a splash of lemon soda for a refreshing mocktail.
- Batch Preparation: Make the tea mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Blend with ice and bourbon just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 glass) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Sugar | 15 g |
Alcohol | 14 g (approx. 1 serving) |
Fat | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
This bourbon slush pairs wonderfully with light appetizers and summery dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your drinking experience:
- Serve alongside a platter of grilled vegetables or fresh fruit skewers.
- Enjoy with Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for a satisfying snack.
- Complement the citrusy notes of the slush with spicy Asian dishes like those found in Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
- Pair with chilled soups such as A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals for a light meal option.
Conclusion
The bourbon slush with tea is a refreshing, flavorful, and versatile cocktail that’s perfect for those sunny days when you want to chill and enjoy a drink that’s a little different. Its unique fusion of bourbon’s warmth with the aromatic qualities of tea creates a drink that feels both classic and innovative.
Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe invites you to experiment with your favorite teas and sweeteners to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this bourbon slush is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a touch of elegance and comfort to any occasion.
So go ahead, blend up a batch, garnish with fresh herbs and citrus, and savor every icy, boozy sip. Cheers to your new favorite summer cocktail!
📖 Recipe Card: Bourbon Slush with Tea
Description: A refreshing bourbon slush infused with iced black tea and a hint of citrus. Perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup bourbon
- 2 cups brewed black tea, chilled
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Brew black tea and chill it in the refrigerator.
- In a blender, combine bourbon, chilled tea, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice cubes.
- Blend until slushy and smooth.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 10g
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