Phillips Tilt Spiked Southern Peach Tea Recipe

Brew tea and make simple syrup

Bring 4 cups of water to a near boil. Steep 4–6 black tea bags (or 4 tablespoons loose-leaf) for 5 minutes for a strong brew. Remove tea and let cool to room temperature, then chill. Meanwhile, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture just comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature to make simple syrup.

Once tea and simple syrup are cool, taste the tea and add simple syrup gradually until sweetness is balanced (about 1/2 to 1 cup of syrup total, depending on preference). Mix well and refrigerate if not using immediately.

Prepare peach puree

Pit and roughly chop the ripe peaches (or thaw frozen slices). Place peaches and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice in a blender and puree until smooth. If you prefer a clear tea, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp; reserve pulp for garnish if desired.

Stir 2 tablespoons peach schnapps into the puree if using, for extra peach aroma and sweetness. Taste and adjust lemon or peach intensity as desired.

Combine cocktail

In a large pitcher, combine the chilled black tea (about 4 cups, sweetened to taste), the peach puree (about 1 to 1 1/4 cups after blending), and 1.5 cups bourbon. Stir gently to combine. If mixture tastes too strong, add up to 1 cup additional chilled water or more brewed tea to reach desired balance and body.

Taste for sweetness and acidity. If more sweetness is needed, add additional simple syrup 1 tablespoon at a time. If brighter acidity is desired, add small amounts of lemon juice.

Chill and serve over ice

Fill a large pitcher or individual glasses with ice (about 6 cups total for serving 6). Pour the spiked peach tea over ice and gently stir in the glass so each serving is well chilled.

Garnish each glass with a fresh peach slice, a lemon wheel, and a mint sprig. Optionally, drop a spoonful of reserved peach pulp into each glass for texture and extra flavor.

Serve immediately. Store any leftover spiked tea refrigerated for up to 48 hours; stir before serving as separation may occur.