Sweet Tea Bourbon Smash drink outside setting

Sweet Tea Bourbon Smash

Sweet tea and bourbon don’t need an introduction — they’ve been shaking hands in the South for as long as porches had rocking chairs. But if you want to make that handshake memorable, take a lemon wedge, drop it on the grate, and let the fire do its work.


That charred citrus brings out a smoky edge that plain tea can’t touch. The bourbon rides high, the tea smooths it out, and the lemon ties it together. It’s not fancy — it’s familiar, but elevated just enough to keep folks leaning in for another pour.

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Sweet Tea Bourbon Smash

Chief Flame Tamer Michael McDearman

Servings

1

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cuisine

Adult 21+

Category

Drink

By the Fire

Sweet tea and bourbon don’t need an introduction — they’ve been shaking hands in the South for as long as porches had rocking chairs. But if you want to make that handshake memorable, take a lemon wedge, drop it on the grate, and let the fire do its work.

That charred citrus brings out a smoky edge that plain tea can’t touch. The bourbon rides high, the tea smooths it out, and the lemon ties it together. It’s not fancy — it’s familiar, but elevated just enough to keep folks leaning in for another pour.

Sweet Tea Bourbon Smash

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon

  • 2 oz Sweet Tea

  • ¾ oz Lemon Juice

  • ½ oz Simple Syrup

  • Ice

  • Charred Lemon Wedge (garnish)

  • Mint Sprig

Directions

  1. Shake it Up

    In a shaker with ice, combine bourbon, sweet tea, lemon juice, and syrup. Shake until cold.

  2. Pour with Ease

    Strain into a tall glass over ice.

  3. Garnish with Fire

    Add a charred lemon wedge right on the rim. If you want it greener, tuck in a sprig of mint.