Southern tea recipes are a staple in the South, and for good reason. Not only do they provide a refreshing and delicious drink, but they also have a rich history and cultural significance. While traditional southern tea recipes involve sweet tea and non-alcoholic ingredients, there is a growing trend of incorporating alcohol into these beloved beverages. Adding a touch of alcohol can elevate the flavors and create a unique twist on a classic drink. In this article, we will explore some of the best southern tea recipes that incorporate alcohol and provide tips on how to make them at home.
Main Ingredients: Black Tea, Ice, Rum, Cane Syrup, Juice, Lemon Wedges
Transport yourself back to the Prohibition era with this twist on the classic sweet tea. Made with *moonshine* instead of traditional spirits, this recipe packs a punch and is perfect for a summer evening hangout.
No list of sweet tea recipes would be complete without the tried and true Southern sweet tea. Made with simple ingredients like *black tea*, *sugar*, and *lemon*, this refreshing drink is a staple at any Southern gathering.
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Sparkling Sweet Tea Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Warm Water, Tea Bags, George Dickel, Club Soda
Add a little sparkle to your sweet tea with this cocktail recipe. Made with *champagne*, *lemonade*, and a splash of *bourbon*, this drink is perfect for a special occasion or just a relaxing weekend afternoon.
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Spiked Peach Tea
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Lemon, Boiling Water, Vodka, Simple Syrup
Take your sweet tea to the next level with this spiked peach tea recipe. Made with *peach schnapps*, *vodka*, and of course, *peaches*, this drink is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a day by the pool.
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Mint Julep Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Mint Leaves, Lemon, Lime, Bourbon, Tea, Mint
For a refreshing twist on the classic mint julep, try this iced tea version. Made with *bourbon*, *mint leaves*, and *honey*, this drink is sure to cool you off on a hot summer day.
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Peach Sweet Tea | Kentucky Derby Drink
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Tea, Water, Peaches, Whiskey
The Kentucky Derby is known for its iconic mint julep, but why not switch it up with this peach sweet tea recipe? Made with *peach schnapps*, *bourbon*, and *peaches*, this drink is perfect for sipping while watching the race.
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Juanita's Sweet Tea - Southern Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water
This recipe is named after Juanita, a Southern sweet tea aficionado. Made with *black tea*, *sugar*, and a secret ingredient (shh, it's *orange juice*), this sweet tea is sure to impress your guests.
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Peach Sweet Tea Southern Veggie Burger
Main Ingredients: Veggie Patties, Jam, Pimento Cheese, Mayo, Potato
For a unique twist on the classic veggie burger, try this recipe that incorporates peach sweet tea into the patty. Made with *black beans*, *peaches*, and *sweet tea*, this burger is full of flavor and perfect for a summer cookout.
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Sweet Tea Mint Juleps
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Mint Leaves, Tea Bags, Bourbon, Crushed
If you can't decide between a sweet tea or a mint julep, why not have both? This recipe combines the two drinks into a refreshing cocktail perfect for any occasion.
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Southern Style Strawberry Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Frozen Strawberries, Water, Coconut Sugar, Tea Bags
Take advantage of fresh strawberry season with this recipe for Southern-style strawberry sweet tea. Made with *strawberries*, *black tea*, and *sugar*, this drink is a fruity twist on the classic beverage.
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Southern Bourbon Holiday Punch
Main Ingredients: Turbinado Sugar, Black Tea, Bourbon, Spiced Rum
Impress your holiday guests with this delicious punch recipe. Made with *bourbon*, *cranberry juice*, and *sweet tea*, this drink is perfect for a Christmas or New Year's party.
This refreshing fruit tea is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with *orange juice*, *pineapple juice*, and *black tea*, this drink is packed with flavor and a great way to stay hydrated.
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Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea!
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemon Juiced, Lime Juiced
If you love strawberries, you'll love this Southern strawberry sweet tea recipe. Made with *strawberry tea*, *strawberry syrup*, and *lemon*, this drink is perfect for a picnic or a day at the beach.
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Southern Lemonade Tea
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Tea Bags, Lemons, Granulated Sugar
Lemonade and sweet tea come together in this refreshing drink. Made with *lemonade*, *black tea*, and *honey*, this recipe is perfect for a hot summer day or a backyard barbecue.
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Southern Sweet Tea With a Secret Ingredient
Main Ingredients: Baking Soda, Water, Tea Bags, Sugar
This recipe may just become your go-to for sweet tea. Made with *orange pekoe tea*, *sugar*, and a secret ingredient (hint: it's *vanilla extract*), this drink is sure to become a family favorite.
Why not let the sun do the work for you? This recipe for sweet sun tea is made by steeping tea bags in a jar of water in the sun for a few hours. Add some *lemon* and *sugar* and you have a refreshing summer drink.
This recipe for Southern peach tea is simple and delicious. Made with *peaches*, *black tea*, and *sugar*, this drink is perfect for a lazy afternoon on the porch.
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Peach Sweet Tea and Rum
Main Ingredients: Sweet Tea, Water, Peaches, Dark Rum
For a sweet and fruity cocktail, try this recipe for peach sweet tea and rum. Made with *peach schnapps*, *rum*, and of course, *peach sweet tea*, this drink is perfect for a summer party.
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Southern Sweet Tea Granita
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Tea Bags, Heavy Cream, Lemon Zest
Cool down with this refreshing and unique granita recipe. Made with *sweet tea*, *lemon*, and *mint*, this icy treat is perfect for a hot day.
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Winter Tea Julep
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Sugar Syrup, Boiling Water, Tea Bags, Brown
Who says juleps are just for summer? This winter tea julep recipe is perfect for the colder months. Made with *bourbon*, *black tea*, and *honey*, this drink will warm you up from the inside out.
The Rise of Alcohol in Southern Tea Recipes
Over the years, southern tea recipes have evolved from simple sweet tea to more complex and creative variations. One of these variations is the addition of alcohol, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. This trend can be attributed to the desire for more diverse and exciting flavors, as well as the growing popularity of cocktails and mixed drinks.
Alcohol adds depth and complexity to traditional sweet tea, making it a more adult-friendly beverage. It also allows for experimentation with different types of alcohol, such as bourbon, whiskey, and rum, to create a unique and personalized flavor profile. Additionally, adding alcohol to southern tea recipes can be a fun and creative way to incorporate local spirits and flavors into the drink.
Tips for Making the Perfect Southern Tea with Alcohol
While adding alcohol to southern tea recipes may seem simple, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results. First, it's important to choose a high-quality tea as the base for your drink. This will provide a strong and flavorful foundation for the alcohol to enhance.
Next, it's essential to sweeten the tea to taste. While traditional sweet tea is often heavily sweetened, it's important to adjust the sweetness according to personal preference when adding alcohol. This will ensure that the flavors are balanced and not overly sweet or boozy.
Finally, when choosing which type of alcohol to add, consider the flavors you want to highlight and complement. For example, a peach-flavored southern tea may pair well with peach schnapps or a mint julep inspired tea could benefit from a splash of mint liqueur. Be creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect southern tea with alcohol.
In conclusion, adding alcohol to southern tea recipes is a fun and delicious way to put a unique spin on a classic drink. By keeping these tips in mind and being open to experimentation, you can create your own signature southern tea with alcohol that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients and start mixing up some refreshing and boozy southern tea today!
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