If the South had an official cocktail, this would so be it.
Sweet tea + peaches + bourbon. It’s kind of ridiculous.
You may recall reading that this recipe was inspired by a cocktail I enjoyed during my recent trip to Louisville. It was actually made with bourbon, peach schnapps, and iced tea. I was a little scared ordering something made with schnapps – fearing it would be too sweet or that it might coming bearing that artificial taste schnapps tends to have. But, alas – it did not! It was so refreshing and delicious. And it tasted just like peach tea.
I figured, why not do away with that fake flavoring and instead get some fresh peach-action going on in there?
An image of Kathryne’s fabulous strawberry-infused bourbon flashed before my eyes. Er, in my brain.
Now, I’ve infused tequila before {with jalapeno - one of my all-time favorite concoctions, making for a TRUE skinny-girl margarita} and I’ve had infused-vodka once or twice {most famously by my BFF Erika who did it with lemon verbana – outrageous} but the idea of infusing bourbon was something new and exciting for me.
The idea of bourbon, in general, is new and exciting for me … is anyone else out there just SO. OVER. vodka? The thought of ordering a vodka-soda yet again is seriously making me cringe. Tequila, not so much. 
Normally I consider garnishes to be optional, but here I think the fresh peaches and lemon wedges are a must. Particularly the lemon wedges, as they provide that much-needed kick of citrus. And hey, if you’ve got some freshly-squeezed lemonade laying around … well, you know what to do.
I feel only slightly sorry for sweet tea vodka, which used to hold a place in my heart … especially this time of year, when a pour of it over ice equals pure happiness.
And much like sweet tea vodka, it turns out that sweet tea mixed with bourbon is dangerously easy to drink. Be warned, my summer-lovers!
This recipe is part of my Southern {Summer} Charm dinner party menu. Click here to get it! Planning Tip: Make the bourbon one week in advance of dinner party. Make the iced tea morning of.
- 3 large peaches
- 3½ to 4 cups good bourbon {such as Maker’s Mark}
- 2 family-size tea bags
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- Fresh peach slices and lemon wedges, for serving
- To make the bourbon-infused peaches, you’ll need to first peel your peaches. Submerge whole peaches in boiling water for 1 minute. Transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The skin will slip right off! Chop into large chunks and place in 4-cup mason jar (or a similar-sized container that will close tightly).
- Pour the bourbon over the peaches (enough to reach the 4 cup line, or as much as you can fit in the jar!). Secure the lid tightly and store in a dark, cool place for up to 1 week.
- To make the iced tea, boil 16 cups water. Remove from the heat and add tea bags. After 4 minutes, remove the bags. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Allow to cool, and pour into a large pitcher to chill.
- Pour bourbon into glasses and top with iced tea (I like a ⅓ bourbon ratio to ⅔ iced tea, but measure each glass to your own taste). Serve with fresh peach slices and lemon wedges.
It’s only 10 am and I want one of those spiked iced teas. Sounds so refreshing!
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Well aren’t you an angel! I almost typed angle.
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I am much more of a clear liquor kind of girl (tequila, vodka, gin etc.) but this looks awesome!
Alyssa @ Everyday Maven recently posted..The Food Matters Project: Shrimp + Beans in Greens Burritos
I don’t really drink alcohol, but this sounds pretty good!
Mireya Merritt @MyHealthyEatingHabits recently posted..Burrito with Beans and Greens
I’ve never had bourbon…I don’t think. But peaches and tea? Yes please! I’m definitely going to try this out during the hot Florida summer!
This sounds amazing! I just got some tennessee honey whiskey I bet would adapt well with this, too! Thanks for the idea!
This looks really good!! I am going to have to try it soon!
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