Texas Tea Cocktail Recipe

Texas Tea Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:22g

Alcohol:22%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

Texas Tea is a popular cocktail that originated in the southern United States, particularly in Texas. It is a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea, with the addition of tequila. The cocktail is known for its strong and bold flavors, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more potent drink. The Texas Tea is often served at outdoor gatherings, such as barbecues and tailgate parties, where its refreshing taste and potent kick are appreciated.

How Texas Tea Tastes?

The Texas Tea has a bold and robust flavor, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong notes. The combination of multiple spirits creates a complex taste that is both invigorating and satisfying. The addition of cola and sweet and sour mix adds a refreshing sweetness that complements the strong alcohol flavors.

Interesting facts about Texas Tea

  • The Texas Tea is a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea, with the addition of tequila.
  • Despite its name, the Texas Tea does not contain any actual tea.
  • The cocktail is often served at outdoor gatherings, such as barbecues and tailgate parties.

Ingredients

A few good options for Texas Tea are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

A few good options for Texas Tea are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Vodka

Vodka is like the quiet guy in a rock band; doesn't steal the show but ties the performance together. It's the base alcohol that provides a strong kick without dominating the flavor profile. If you were to skip it, you'd lose some of the punch. An alternative could be white rum, which would add a bit more sweetness.

Emma Rose

Gin

Gin brings the herbal notes, like adding a dash of exotic spice to a stew. Without it, you'd miss the depth of flavor. If gin isn't your jam, try using a botanical vodka for a similar herby kick.

Mary Mitkina

Rum

Rum is the life of the party, adding a sweet, tropical vibe. Removing rum would tone down the sweetness and richness. A spiced rum could be a fun twist, offering a more nuanced flavor.

Alex Green

Tequila

Tequila brings a little Mexican fiesta to the mix, giving a signature punch. Excluding tequila would seriously dampen the cocktail's spirit. A mezcal could replace tequila, adding a smoky twist to the drink.

Emma Rose

Triple Sec

Triple Sec plays the zesty best friend, providing a sweet and orangey accent. Without it, the citrus notes would falter. A curaçao or Cointreau could be substituted for a fancier citrus profile.

Mary Mitkina

Sweet and Sour Mix

This ingredient is the harmonizer, balancing sweetness with tanginess. Skip this, and you'll have a discordant booze melody. Lemon juice mixed with simple syrup could replace it for a DIY approach.

Alex Green

Cola

Cola is like the bass guitar, providing depth and a familiar comfort. It also helps to smooth out the alcohol's sharpness. Without cola, the drink lacks its signature finish. A diet or a craft cola could alter the sweetness level.

Emma Rose

Lemon Wedge

The lemon wedge is the final flourish, the bright and zesty garnish that adds a touch of freshness. Leaving it out won't cause a disaster, but it's the difference between a good performance and an encore-worthy one. A lime wedge could be a tangy alternative.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Ice isn't just a cool character; it's crucial for dilution and temperature. No ice means a less balanced, warm drink – uncool in every sense. Crushed ice could offer a quicker chill and a more diluted mix over time.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Texas Tea Drink

  1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
  2. In a shaker, combine vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec.
  3. Add sweet and sour mix to the shaker.
  4. Shake well to mix the ingredients.
  5. Strain the mixture into the Collins glass over the ice.
  6. Top off the glass with cola.
  7. Gently stir the cocktail to combine the ingredients.
  8. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the ingredients well to ensure a perfect blend.
  • Use fresh sweet and sour mix for the best taste.
  • Chill the glass before serving for a refreshing experience.

Perfect Pairings

Foods

  • BBQ: Strong flavors from a good ol' barbecue will complement the boldness of the Texas Tea.
  • Burgers: A juicy burger is a classic pairing with this strong, sweet, and sour cocktail.
  • Fried Chicken: The crispiness of fried chicken balances the sweetness and the booze kick.

Snacks

  • Nachos: The cheese and jalapeño will match the zesty flavors of the Texas Tea.
  • Salted Nuts: Salt on nuts can help mellow out the cocktail's strong flavors.
  • Pretzels: Perfect for nibbling while sipping on this concoction.

Desserts

  • Chocolate Cake: The sweetness of the cake marries well with the cocktail's complexity.
  • Lemon Tart: Echoes the citrus notes in the drink and cleanses the palate.

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What you could change in Texas Tea

  • You can replace vodka with white rum for a different flavor.
  • If you don't have triple sec, you can use Cointreau or any other orange liqueur.
  • Lime can be used instead of lemon for garnishing.

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Texas Tea with a Berry Twist

Add 0.5 oz of raspberry liqueur and 2 fresh raspberries to the shaker. This twist adds a fruity, slightly tart dimension to the cocktail, which balances the powerful spirits, making for a refreshing summer alternative.

Spicy Texas Tea

Include a slice of jalapeño in the shaker and a dash of hot sauce to the mix. This version brings the heat, literally spicing up the classic for those who enjoy a fiery kick with their booze.

Lone Star Tea

Substitute cola with a Texas-made craft root beer for a touch of local flair. It will add a vanilla and sarsaparilla twist to the drink, perfect for a unique blaze of Texas pride.

In case you forgot basics how to make Texas Tea

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Texas Tea

What is the best type of tequila to use in a Texas Tea cocktail?

The best type of tequila to use in a Texas Tea cocktail is a high-quality blanco or silver tequila. These are unaged tequilas that have a fresh, clean taste.

Can I use diet cola in the Texas Tea cocktail?

Yes, you can use diet cola in a Texas Tea cocktail. This will not alter the taste much, it will lower the sugar content and the overall calories of the cocktail.

What is the optimal temperature to serve a Texas Tea cocktail?

The optimal temperature to serve a Texas Tea cocktail is between 33-36 degrees Fahrenheit. The cocktail should be served cold to enhance the refreshing qualities of the drink.

Can I prepare Texas Tea cocktail in advance for a party?

You can prepare the components of the Texas Tea cocktail in advance but it is best to combine the ingredients and serve the cocktail immediately to maintain freshness and prevent dilution.

Is Texas Tea cocktail vegan friendly?

Yes, the Texas Tea cocktail is vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, vegans should always check individual brand labels as some alcohol brands may use animal products in production.

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