American Sweet Tea Recipe

Brew tea

Brew a strong black tea by steeping 1 tea bag (or 1 tbsp loose leaf) in 8 oz near-boiling water for 4–5 minutes. Remove the bag/strain leaves and let the tea cool to room temperature. Measure 6 oz of the cooled tea for the cocktail.

Make simple syrup (if you don't have it)

Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (for example 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water) in a small saucepan, heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves, then cool. Use 0.5 oz for the drink and reserve the remainder for later cocktails.

In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add 2 oz Jack Daniel's, 1 tbsp honey, and 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice. Stir or briefly shake to begin dissolving the honey.

Add 6 oz cooled brewed black tea and 0.5 oz simple syrup to the shaker. If the honey hasn't fully dissolved, a few more seconds of shaking (without ice) helps incorporate it. Taste and add up to 0.25–0.5 oz more simple syrup if you prefer sweeter.

Fill a tall glass with ice (about 1 cup). Strain the mixed cocktail over the ice into the glass.

Garnish with a lemon wheel or wedge on the rim and an optional mint sprig slapped between your hands to release aroma. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.