Elevate your gatherings with our Texas Tea recipe! Packed with a mix of spirits, zesty lemon, and bubbly cola, it's sure to be a sunny day favorite.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
283
Ingredients
- ½ oz Bourbon
- ½ oz Tequila
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Rum
- ½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Cola - to top off
- Lemon wheel - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Add syrup and lemon: Add ½ oz simple syrup and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to your highball glass.
- Mix Spirits: Pour ½ oz Triple Sec, ½ oz Tequila, ½ oz Bourbon, ½ oz Rum, ½ oz Gin, and ½ oz Vodka into your glass.
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Top with Cola: Fill the rest of the glass with cola.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish: Add a lemon wheel to the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If I'm out of bourbon, a rye works. It brings a slightly different flavor but meshes well with the cocktail.
- Triple Sec: I've used Grand Marnier or Cointreau as a luxurious substitute. Both add a richer orange depth.
- Simple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey can be a good natural alternative, though it changes the sweetness profile.
Making a Pitcher of Texas Tea Cocktail:
- Scale: Multiply all the ingredients by 8 for a pitcher serving 8. E.g., 4 oz of each spirit, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
- Mix: Combine spirits, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
- Serve: Fill ice-filled highball glasses 3/4 full with the mixture, top off with cola, garnish with a lemon wheel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Spirits Substitute: Use non-alcoholic versions of the spirits. They're available in specialty stores.
- Triple Sec: Swap for an orange-flavored syrup.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives and follow the original steps.
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup: Ensure the sugar used for your simple syrup was not processed using animal bone char. Alternatively, use agave syrup, which is naturally vegan.
- Cola: Some colas may have non-vegan coloring or additives. Always check the label and opt for a vegan-certified brand.
What is a Texas Tea?
Texas Tea is a blend that combines multiple types of alcohol, notably bourbon, tequila, rum, vodka, gin, and triple sec, with a touch of lemon juice and cola. Rooted in Southern traditions, this drink stands out for its unique mix of flavors and the incorporation of so many different spirits. People often associate the name “Texas Tea” with the state’s history of oil production, drawing a parallel to the dark hue of the drink. While it might sound intimidating, given its extensive ingredient list, putting it together is straightforward. This iconic drink delivers a punch, and having one feels like an authentic Texan experience.
What is a Texas Tea made of – The ingredients
A Texas Tea is made with the following ingredients:
- Bourbon: A type of American whiskey that adds a rich, smoky depth.
- Tequila: A distilled spirit from the agave plant, lending a distinct, slightly sweet note.
- Vodka: A neutral spirit, it enhances the cocktail’s alcohol content without overshadowing other flavors.
- Rum: A liquor made from sugarcane, it introduces a hint of sweetness and tropical character.
- Gin: A spirit known for its botanicals, it contributes a slight herbal touch.
- Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur, it offers a zesty citrus kick.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and acidity, balancing out the sweetness.
- Simple Syrup: A sugar solution, it helps smooth out the drink and enhance its sweetness.
- Cola: Adds fizz and caramel notes, completing the cocktail with bubbles and color.
