Iced Tea Cocktails

I’d say hello to vodka. I’d wave, and smile with teeth.

I’d totally make out with gin… tonic and lime everywhere.

But bourbon. I’d marry bourbon… as long as bourbon understands that I often stay up until 3 am writing silly blog posts, with a scarf on my head, a shaky leg, and post-it notes everywhere. But I have a feeling that bourbon understands me. I’m not too worried.

Little itty bitty kitchen peek.

What is pleasantly cropped out of this picture is my cat in the kitchen sink attacking the dirty kitchen sponge.

Livin’ classy.

I’m fairly certain that we’re approaching the time of year when it’s reasonable to drink uncanny amounts of sweetener in cold, black tea.

It seems only natural to add fresh mint, muddled orange and bourbon.

This cocktail is simple, uncomplicated, refreshing, easy to drink, and a really lovely celebration of mid-spring.

You know it’s going to be summer soon, right? There are short dresses and summer heels in my future. Oh man. I need tan lotion and tea.

Sweet Tea Bourbon Cocktail with fresh mint and orange

6 cups water

4 or 5 black tea bags

1/4 cup agave syrup (honey will do too)

1/4 to 1/2 cup bourbon (depending on how strong you want your cocktail)

4 to 6 sliced orange rounds

6 sprigs fresh mint

lots of ice

Bring water to a boil. Turn off water and add black tea bags. Steep tea for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, place the tea in a large pitcher and let rest in the refrigerator until cold.

Place agave, bourbon, orange slices and fresh mint in a medium bowl. It the back of a spoon, begin to muddle (or press together) the ingredients. The oranges will release some juice, the mint will become fragrant, and the bourbon will tickle your nose. It’ll smell delicious. Once the mixture is pressed together, and the flavors are extracted, add the mixture to the pitcher of tea. Stir well. ((Feel free to strain the orange wedges and the mint leaves before pouring into the pitcher of tea, if you’d like.))