Apricot Tea Smash Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill a rocks glass or copper mug (typical for a smash) by filling with ice and setting aside while you build the cocktail.

Muddle mint

Discard the ice from the chilled glass. Add 6 fresh mint leaves to a mixing glass or shaker with the 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice and optional 0.25 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle 6 leaves just to release oils — do not over-muddle to avoid bitterness.

Build cocktail

To the muddled mint, add 2 oz Tito's Vodka, 0.75 oz apricot liqueur, 2 oz cold sweet tea, and 0.75 oz sour mix (or the 1 oz combined fresh sour mix if using the fresh recipe below). Add a handful of ice to the shaker (enough to chill but not over-dilute).

Shake and strain

Firmly cap the shaker and shake for about 10–12 seconds until well chilled. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fine crushed ice, allowing some mint bits to come through for texture and aroma.

Garnish and finish

Gently slap the remaining 2 mint leaves between your palms to activate the oils and tuck them into the top of the drink along with a lemon wheel. Optionally clap the mint over the glass to release aroma. Serve with a short straw.

Combine 1 oz fresh lemon juice and 1 oz simple syrup in a small container and stir or shake to combine. Use 0.75 oz of this fresh sour mix in the cocktail recipe above. Store any leftover in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.