Texas Tea
The Texas Tea is a formidable cocktail that takes the classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe and gives it a Southern twist by adding bourbon. This addition introduces notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, which complement the sweet and sour base and the cola topper. Despite its high alcohol content from six different spirits, the drink is deceptively smooth and refreshing, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong, flavorful highball.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
Texas Tea is classified as a highball cocktail due to its composition of multiple spirits topped with a non-alcoholic mixer and served in a tall glass. It is also widely considered a party drink because of its potency and popularity at social gatherings.
Serving
Serve this large, cold cocktail in a tall Highball or Collins glass filled with ice. Its high alcohol content is masked by its sweet flavor, so it should be enjoyed responsibly.
Serving size
Approximately 350-450 ml (12-15 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
While its exact origins are undocumented, the Texas Tea is widely believed to have emerged as a regional variation of the Long Island Iced Tea in the Southern United States during the late 20th century. Its creation embodies the "bigger in Texas" philosophy, amplifying an already potent drink by adding the state's beloved spirit, bourbon. It quickly gained popularity as a party drink, known for its strength hidden beneath a sweet, tea-like appearance.
Origin
The Texas Tea likely originated in the Southern United States, specifically Texas, around the 1980s or 1990s as a derivative of the Long Island Iced Tea.
Texas Tea
The drink is primarily known as Texas Tea. Sometimes it is referred to as Texan Iced Tea, emphasizing its regional identity and connection to the state of Texas.
Original name
Texas Tea
Alternative name
Texan Iced Tea
Characteristics overview
This drink has a complex, sweet-and-sour flavor profile with caramel notes from the bourbon and cola, resulting in a deceptively smooth texture and a warming finish. Its amber color and light fizz make it a refreshing choice for summer.
Flavor
Sweet, citrus, caramel, boozy, complex
Aroma
Cola, lemon, sweet spirits
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Lingering, sweet, warming
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Amber, brown, translucent
Texture
Smooth, liquid, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intensely sweet and sour with a very strong alcoholic presence. It has noticeable fruity notes from the citrus and a light carbonation from the cola.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This recipe requires a formidable lineup of six spirits: vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, bourbon, and triple sec, balanced with fresh lemon juice and topped with cola.
- Vodka15 ml (0.5 oz)A neutral vodka works best.
- Gin15 ml (0.5 oz)A standard London Dry Gin is suitable.
- White Rum15 ml (0.5 oz)Also known as light or silver rum.
- Blanco Tequila15 ml (0.5 oz)Also known as silver or plata tequila.
- Bourbon Whiskey15 ml (0.5 oz)This is the key ingredient that distinguishes it from a Long Island Iced Tea.
- Triple Sec15 ml (0.5 oz)Other orange liqueurs like Cointreau can be used.
- Lemon Juice30 ml (1 oz)Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- ColaTop up (approx. 60-90 ml or 2-3 oz)To fill the glass.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a cocktail shaker and strainer to build and chill the spirit base, and a jigger for measuring the many ingredients accurately.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
- Strainer for separating ice from the liquid after shaking.
Instructions
The method is simple: shake all ingredients except the cola with ice, strain into an ice-filled highball glass, and then top with cola before garnishing.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker and a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, gin, white rum, blanco tequila, bourbon, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice to the ice-filled shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the ice-filled highball glass.
5. Top the drink with cola, leaving a little space at the top.
6. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge or wheel and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a lemon wedge or wheel adds a fresh citrus aroma and complements the drink's flavors.
- Lemon wedge or wheel, placed on the rim or in the drink.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, vegan, and generally considered gluten-free. However, it contains alcohol and may contain caffeine depending on the cola used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail is high in calories and sugar, primarily from the combination of triple sec and cola, making it an indulgent treat rather than a light beverage.
Calories
Averagely 300-380 kcal (1255-1590 kJ)
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 24-28 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This strong and refreshing cocktail is perfect for lively social events like parties, barbecues, and casual summer get-togethers where a fun, potent drink is desired.
- Parties
- Barbecues
- Summer Gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The sweet and sour profile of the Texas Tea pairs well with bold, savory, and often spicy foods. It is an excellent companion to Tex-Mex cuisine, barbecue, and salty bar snacks, as it cuts through richness and complements robust flavors.
- Tex-Mex Food (e.g., Nachos, Tacos)
- Barbecue Dishes
- Salty Snacks (e.g., Pretzels, Chips)
- Fried Chicken
Texas Tea: The Bigger, Bolder Iced Tea
The Texas Tea is a potent and flavorful highball that builds upon the famous Long Island Iced Tea formula. By adding a measure of bourbon, it gains a distinct Southern character with notes of caramel and oak that beautifully complicate the existing mix of spirits. Despite its strength, it remains remarkably drinkable and refreshing, with a familiar sweet-and-sour taste profile rounded out by cola. It's the ultimate party drink for those who appreciate a strong, complex cocktail with a deceptively simple appearance.
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