Mint Julep Sweet Tea Recipe

Name: Mint Julep Sweet Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 cups water; 3/4 cups fresh mint; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 tangerine orange herbal tea bags, such as Celestial Seasonings; 6 oz bourbon; 16 mint leaves, optional; 4 lemon slices

Refreshing Bourbon-Mint Tea Cocktail

This vibrant and aromatic drink blends the refreshing flavors of mint, tangerine orange tea, and bourbon into a perfect cocktail for any occasion. Its easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its delightful mix of citrus, mint, and a touch of warmth from the bourbon. Follow the simple steps below to create this amazing beverage.

Ingredients

3 cups water
3/4 cup fresh mint
1/2 cup sugar
4 tangerine orange herbal tea bags (such as Celestial Seasonings Tangerine Orange Zinger)
6 fluid ounces bourbon
16 mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
4 slices lemon (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: In a saucepan, bring the water, 3/4 cup of fresh mint, and sugar to a boil. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

Step 2: Once the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the tangerine orange tea bags and allow them to steep for 1 hour to infuse the flavors.

Step 3: After the steeping time is up, strain the mixture into a pitcher, discarding the tea bags and mint leaves. Add the bourbon to the pitcher and stir to combine the ingredients well.

Step 4: In a glass, muddle 4 mint leaves to release their oils and flavors.

Step 5: Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add a slice of lemon and top with more ice to fill the glass completely.

Step 6: Pour the prepared tea and bourbon mixture into the glass over the ice and lemon. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wedge for extra freshness and flair.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 199 Calories

Calories: 199
Total Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Sodium: 12mg (1% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 27g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 25g
Protein: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 4mg (5% Daily Value)
Calcium: 21mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
Potassium: 53mg (1% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History of the Mint Julep Sweet Tea

The Mint Julep Sweet Tea combines two iconic Southern drinks: the Mint Julep and sweet tea. The origins of the Mint Julep date back to the 18th century, with early versions being enjoyed as medicinal remedies in the American South. Traditionally made with bourbon, mint, and sugar, the Mint Julep gained popularity in Kentucky, especially during the Kentucky Derby. On the other hand, sweet tea, a staple of Southern hospitality, is a cold, sweetened black tea typically served with a generous helping of ice on hot summer days. By merging these two elements, the Mint Julep Sweet Tea has become a unique twist that embodies the rich flavors of Southern heritage, perfect for cooling down on a hot day or celebrating special occasions.

Regional Features of Mint Julep Sweet Tea

This drink has deep ties to the Southern United States, particularly Kentucky and the Carolinas. The Mint Julep itself is a quintessential Kentucky cocktail, often associated with horse racing and the elite social scene of the Derby. Sweet tea, conversely, is found throughout the Southern states, becoming a symbol of hospitality. Combining bourbon with the refreshing coolness of sweet tea and the aromatic mint creates a hybrid drink that reflects the best of Southern culture. The use of tangerine-orange herbal tea in this recipe is a nod to the citrus influences often seen in Southern cuisine, adding an extra layer of flavor to the drink.

How It Differs from Similar Drinks

While the Mint Julep Sweet Tea shares some similarities with both traditional Mint Juleps and classic sweet tea, it stands out in several ways. Traditional Mint Juleps are stronger, usually served without any tea and with a higher proportion of bourbon. The Mint Julep Sweet Tea, however, combines the warmth of bourbon with the cool, refreshing qualities of sweetened tea. Unlike regular sweet tea, which is typically served as a non-alcoholic beverage, the Mint Julep Sweet Tea adds a bold twist with the inclusion of bourbon and fresh mint, making it a great choice for cocktail enthusiasts who also enjoy a refreshing iced beverage. Its also different from other bourbon-based cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, by offering a sweeter, more aromatic flavor profile.

Where to Serve Mint Julep Sweet Tea

Mint Julep Sweet Tea is a versatile drink that can be served in a variety of settings. Its a popular choice for summer gatherings, outdoor barbecues, and garden parties where its refreshing qualities are appreciated. In the Southern United States, its especially beloved during the Kentucky Derby, making it an excellent choice for Derby Day celebrations. The drink is also perfect for casual outdoor events like picnics, poolside gatherings, and even beach parties. Its balance of sweetness and minty freshness makes it a delightful choice to pair with Southern comfort foods such as fried chicken, barbecue, or shrimp and grits.

Fun Facts About Mint Julep Sweet Tea

The Mint Julep was once considered a medicinal drink, believed to have health benefits due to the mint and alcohol.
Sweet tea, as we know it today, is thought to have been popularized in the 19th century by Southern women who sweetened their tea with sugar to mask its bitterness.
The Mint Julep is often referred to as the "official drink of the Kentucky Derby," where over 120,000 Mint Juleps are served each year during the race.
In many Southern households, serving sweet tea is seen as a sign of hospitality and generosity, with guests often being offered the beverage upon arrival.
The combination of mint, bourbon, and sweet tea in this drink reflects the broader Southern tradition of combining strong flavors with refreshing elements, making it a standout during hot months.

Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot summer day or a unique cocktail to serve at your next gathering, the Mint Julep Sweet Tea is sure to impress. Its blend of bourbon, sweet tea, and fresh mint brings together the best of Southern flavors and traditions.

FAQ about Mint Julep Sweet Tea Recipe

Mint Julep Sweet Tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, consume it within 24 hours.

Yes, you can make the Mint Julep Sweet Tea ahead of time. Prepare the sweet tea base and bourbon mixture, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, muddle the mint leaves, add ice, and garnish with lemon slices as directed.

Yes, you can substitute the tangerine orange herbal tea with another flavored herbal tea, such as peach or lemon. However, this may change the flavor profile slightly.

Yes, you can omit the bourbon and replace it with additional tea or a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

While bourbon is traditional, you can experiment with other spirits like rum or whiskey to create your own variation of this cocktail.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar when making the tea base. You can also use honey or a sugar substitute if you prefer.

To muddle mint leaves, gently press them with a muddler or the back of a spoon in your glass to release the oils without tearing the leaves apart. This will infuse your drink with a stronger mint flavor.

While the mint leaves in the glass add extra flavor and aroma, you can skip muddling them if you prefer a lighter mint taste. Simply garnish with a sprig of fresh mint instead.

The tea should be steeped for 1 hour after bringing the water, mint, and sugar to a boil. This ensures that the flavors are properly infused into the tea.

You can freeze the tea base (without the bourbon) in an ice cube tray for future use, though the texture might change slightly once thawed. It’s best to consume the frozen version within a week.