The Earl Grey–Bourbon Punch is a sophisticated, aromatic cocktail that brings together the bold flavors of bourbon and Cognac with the floral notes of Earl Grey tea and fresh herbs. Sweetened with honey and brightened with lemon, this punch is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering.
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Equipment
- Punch bowl
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bourbon
- 8 ounces lemon juice
- 4 ounces honey
- 4 ounces Cognac
- 2 ounces Earl Grey tea 4 tea bags
- 2 dashes bitters
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary plus more for garnish
- Lemon wheels for garnish
Instructions
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the loose Earl Grey tea (or tea bags) with 10 ounces of boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring glass. Allow the tea to cool.
- In a small saucepan, bring the honey, thyme, rosemary sprigs, and 4 ounces water to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to combine. Once the honey is dissolved, let the mixture cool and remove the herbs.
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, mix the cooled tea, honey syrup, lemon juice, bourbon, Cognac, and bitters. Add 2 cups of ice, stirring until the ice melts and the punch is well-chilled.
- Pour the punch into tumblers filled with ice. Garnish each glass with a rosemary sprig and a lemon wheel for a festive presentation.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the tea and honey syrup in advance and refrigerate until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld even more.
- For a stronger herbal note, let the thyme and rosemary steep longer in the honey syrup before straining.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more honey if desired, or dilute with a bit more water for a milder taste.
Tasting Notes
This Earl Grey–Bourbon Punch combines the floral and citrus notes of Earl Grey with the warmth of bourbon and Cognac. The honey syrup adds a subtle sweetness and depth, while the fresh thyme and rosemary provide an aromatic finish. Each sip is balanced, smooth, and sophisticated, making it an ideal punch for gatherings and special occasions.