Paul Kushner
Refreshing, fruity, and full of Southern charm, the Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea is a smooth blend of bold bourbon, fresh strawberries, and crisp iced tea. Muddled strawberries bring a burst of natural sweetness, while lemon juice adds a bright citrusy balance. A touch of simple syrup enhances the flavors, and unsweetened iced tea provides a light, refreshing finish. Garnished with fresh berries and a fragrant mint sprig, this cocktail is perfect for front porch sipping, summer BBQs, or anytime you crave a classic tea cocktail with a whiskey twist. Cheers!
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
This cocktail combines the rich depth of bourbon with the refreshing brightness of iced tea. Muddled strawberries and fresh lemon juice add a fruity tang, while simple syrup balances the flavors. The result is a smooth, slightly sweet, and citrusy drink with a crisp, tea-infused finish.
Equipment and Glassware
A cocktail shaker is essential for properly blending the flavors, while a muddler extracts the juices from the fresh strawberries. Strain the mixture into a tall glass, such as a highball or Collins glass, to highlight the layered presentation. Ice keeps it chilled, and fresh fruit adds a decorative touch.
Ingredients
- 2 strawberries sliced into quarters
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- Unsweetened iced tea to top
- blueberries, strawberries and mint sprig Garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the sliced strawberries until they are well crushed and juicy.
- Add the lemon juice, bourbon, and rich simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top off the drink with unsweetened iced tea.
- Garnish with a few blueberries, a strawberry slice, and a mint sprig.
Pro Tips
- For deeper fruit flavor, let the muddled strawberries sit with bourbon for a few minutes before shaking.
- Use a high-quality bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Four Roses for a balanced taste.
- Freshly brewed tea enhances the drink’s crispness, while a touch of honey syrup can replace simple syrup for extra depth.
When to Serve
Perfect for warm afternoons, backyard barbecues, and casual gatherings, this cocktail offers a refreshing twist on bourbon. Its fruity, tea-infused profile makes it ideal for summer sipping, whether enjoyed on the porch, at a picnic, or as a laid-back brunch cocktail.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, or Buffalo Trace works best. Use fresh, high-quality strawberries and homemade iced tea for the best flavor. Opt for a simple syrup made with raw or demerara sugar for added richness.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea, here are five similar cocktails to try:
- Kiwi Bourbon Smash
- Rosé Cobbler
- Cranberry Bourbon Smash
- Blueberry Bourbon Lemonade
- Peach Bourbon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 strawberries sliced into quarters
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- Unsweetened iced tea to top
- blueberries, strawberries and mint sprig Garnish
Instructions
Muddle Strawberries:
- In a shaker, muddle the sliced strawberries until they are well crushed and juicy.
Add Ingredients:
- Add the lemon juice, bourbon, and rich simple syrup to the shaker.
Shake:
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top with Iced Tea:
- Top off the drink with unsweetened iced tea.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a few blueberries, a strawberry slice, and a mint sprig.
This sounds wonderful! Beyond just increasing the quantities by alot… 🙂 any recommendations/thoughts on how to turn this into a punch? It seems like a crowd pleaser!
multiplying the quantities will be best to keep the integrity of the drink. just allow for the recipe to be made with no ice in the pitcher then pour over ice for each drink, this will stop dilution