Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsTLC AustinSweet Tea Smash Recipe

Sweet Tea Smash Recipe

Inspired by TLC Austin
Time1h
Serves2

Jack Daniels, Tea, Sugar, Lemon

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Ingredients

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Sweet Tea Base

Method

Sweet Tea Base

  1. 1

    Brew concentrated tea

    Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Remove from heat, add 4 black tea bags, and steep for 6 minutes for a strong brew. Remove and discard the tea bags.

  2. 2

    Sweeten the tea

    While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. Allow the sweet tea to cool to room temperature, then stir in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice.

  3. 3

    Chill

    Place the sweet tea in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. You can speed this by transferring to an ice-filled container or adding a few ice cubes and stirring until the temperature drops, then remove added ice.

Assembly & Serve

  1. 4

    Muddle (optional)

    If using mint, lightly slap and place 4 mint leaves into each glass and gently muddle with the back of a spoon or muddler to release aroma—do not over-muddle to avoid bitterness.

  2. 5

    Build the cocktail

    Fill two highball or rocks glasses with about 1.5 cups of ice each (total 3 cups). Divide 8 fl oz Jack Daniel's between the two glasses (4 fl oz per glass). Pour 1 cup chilled sweet tea into each glass (measure so the ratio is roughly equal whiskey to tea), then stir gently to combine.

  3. 6

    Finish and garnish

    Taste and add a squeeze of additional lemon if desired. Garnish each glass with 2 lemon slices and a sprig of mint (or the remaining mint leaves). Serve immediately with a straw or stirring spoon.

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