Truth be told, I’ve never really been a bourbon girl. When I was younger, the only liquor I drank was mixed in drinks like a “Madras” or “Long Island Iced Tea” or a plain ol’ rum & coke or something. I never acquired a taste for Jack Daniels, unlike my female college peers (or so they said- liars). And then later on as I got older (& realized some things do not mix well) I just stopped altogether with any kind of so-called hard liquor, and stuck to either beer or wine. Except for Jameson of course, which is a staple around here. Irish coffees!
But Jay is a bourbon guy and so I’ve come to find that there are a few that I quite enjoy with ice or in a drink, and some of those I even like straight up. There’s always a lot to choose from here (as of the time this post is being written there are no fewer than 24 bottles of bourbon/whiskey/etc on hand), so there’s enough to taste & sample & find out what I find to be good (Russell’s, James E. Pepper, and good old Maker’s Mark) & what equates to gasoline (Old Weller Antique).
(Note: All opinions above are clearly my own, and do not reflect Jay’s opinion nor what yours might be after trying said bourbons.)
Anyway… in the summer we like to laze around on our screened in porch at night. Sometimes we venture out into the yard for a barbecue or to light the fire pit, but most of the time we stay on the porch; we have Indy out there and we just sit & enjoy the breeze, or turn the fan on. Even on the hottest night, somehow the porch is 10-15 degrees cooler. Jay will have a cigar and a bourbon or we have some wine & it’s just lovely.
It’s beautiful as the sun is setting.
Inspired by that, and also a bottle that we bought Jay’s sister for her birthday (Jim Beam RedStag honey tea), I decided to make something different for us to imbibe: some Southern-style iced tea with bourbon. Also known as “sweet tea.” Sweet tea is really just like regular iced tea, except it’s VERY sweet (which I love). In this incarnation, I used peach tea because yum. You can sweeten it to taste, with honey, sugar or agave. I use regular sugar and added a bit of honey when serving. If you’re using regular black tea, you can add lemons, limes, strawberries… whatever it is you like. Peach just sounded perfect to me.
It’s best when on the sweet side, of course. But if you prefer less sweetness then do as you like. It’s meant to be enjoyed!
As Joy the Baker would say, it’s BONKERS AWESOME. How to make it?
- I used 5 STASH peach black tea bags (for extra flavor and strength) and steeped them in boiling water in a gallon Ball jar (along with 3/4 cup white sugar) for a few hours. I just let it sit on my kitchen counter, basically.
- Once it was cooled completely, I placed it in the refrigerator overnight.
- When I was ready to make the cocktails (the next day), I removed the tea bags, poured it into a carafe and added fresh peach slices & ice.
- From there I prepared the drinks. Each glass gets a peach slice & a shot (or half shot, depending on the size of your glass) of bourbon along with a mint sprig. I also dropped a bit of honey in each glass before pouring the tea, then stirred. That’s totes opts A.K.A. totally optional.
- Drink! And enjoy!
Upon Jay’s recommendation in this particular drink I used Breckinridge bourbon whiskey. It was a good choice! I’m not a fan of it straight but in this iced tea it was delicious. Any (good) whiskey or bourbon you have will work, however. Even Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey!
Feel free to add a cherry on top, or whatever else your heart desires.
Suggestions for use: just drink it! Add whatever fruit slices you like.
sOUNDTRACK: Brad Paisley – “Southern Comfort Zone” (I know, blame Jay!)
SOURCES & CREDITS: Arcoroc “Old Fashioned” glasses; vintage, Pyrex gold-leaf “Kitchen Implements” carafe; vintage, plastic drink stirrer with whistle; vintage 1960’s.
I'm Marilla. A 30-something artist, hobby baker, home canning enthusiast, gardener, DIY-er, wife, mommy of a baby boy and dog mom (to another baby boy) from New York. 
This tea sounds SO good! I definitely heart bourbon, and with peaches? Yes. I am also totally jealous of your screen porch!
That all sounds dreamy: the porch, summer nights, & sweet tea. I’m going to have to make that this weekend as a test run for the 4th! It will be perfect for our family gathering with our visitors from Texas!
Yes ladies- you must make it & try it. It’s delicious!
The porch is indeed awesome 🙂
Useful information. Lucky me I discovered your website by chance,
and I am shocked why this accident didn’t came about in advance!
I bookmarked it.
Remarkable! Its in fact remarkable article, I have got much
clear idea regarding from this article.
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues
with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home
a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.
This post is worth everyone’s attention. When can I find out more?
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site
and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I
achievement you access consistently quickly.
Excellent post. Keep posting such kind of information on your site.
Im really impressed by it.
Hi there, You have performed a fantastic job.
I’ll definitely digg it and individually recommend to my
friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
Quality articles is the crucial to interest the visitors to pay a visit the web page,
that’s what this site is providing.
Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another
platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a
good platform.
I have read so many articles on the topic of the blogger
lovers except this post is in fact a pleasant
piece of writing, keep it up.
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog’s content all the time along with a cup of coffee.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve take note your stuff prior to
and you are simply extremely wonderful. I really
like what you have bought here, certainly like what you’re stating and the
way wherein you assert it. You are making it entertaining and you continue
to take care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you.
This is really a great web site.
Amazing issues here. I am very glad to see your article.
Thanks a lot and I’m looking forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m
not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!