
There’s nothing more refreshing in the summer than a glass of perfectly sweet iced tea—except one spiked with bourbon. The bourbon adds a warmth to the tea that makes for an easy and refreshing drink to serve at any casual dinner party or summer BBQ.
This sweet tea is also sweetened by a peach simple syrup that is much easier to make than you’d imagine. It’s a great way to use up those summer peaches, especially if they are starting to feel a little too soft. Frozen peaches can also be used if you're in a pinch, but I find that fresh peaches have the best flavor and therefore will give a stronger peach flavor to your tea.
The peach simple syrup will make more than you will need for the tea, but can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Trust me—once you make this iced tea once, you’ll be wanting it again. The simple syrup would also be incredible in other cocktails like a peach margarita or poured over ice cream.
Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!
Ingredients
Peach Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 lb.
fresh peaches (about 3), peeled, sliced
- 2 cups
(400 g.) granulated sugar
Tea
- 6
black tea bags
- 1/2 cup
(or more) bourbon
Ice
- 1
fresh peach, sliced
Directions
Peach Simple Syrup
- Step 1In a medium pot over medium heat, bring peaches, sugar, and 2 cups water to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peaches have completely softened, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
- Step 2Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on peaches with a spoon to release more juice. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 3Make Ahead: Syrup can be made 1 month ahead. Keep refrigerated.
Tea
- Step 1In a medium pot or kettle, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep 5 to 8 minutes. Discard tea bags.
- Step 2Pour tea into a heatproof pitcher. Add 1 cup peach simple syrup and 4 cups water and stir to combine. Let cool.
- Step 3When ready to serve, add bourbon. Taste and add more bourbon or simple syrup, if needed.
- Step 4Serve over ice with peach slices.