Make the Homemade Lemonade
Juice lemons until you have 1 cup fresh juice.
In a pitcher, combine lemon juice, 3 cups cold water, and ¾–1 cup sugar.
Stir until sugar dissolves. Chill in refrigerator.
Make the Sweet Tea
Boil 2 cups water, then remove from heat and add 3 tea bags.
Steep for 8–10 minutes, then remove tea bags.
Stir in ½–1 cup sugar while still warm, plus a pinch of baking soda if desired.
Add 2 cups cold water and refrigerate until chilled.
Pro Tip: Brew slightly stronger than normal. When you add ice, the flavor won’t get watered down.
Build the Single Cocktail
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add 2 oz bourbon, 3 oz sweet tea, 2 oz lemonade, and optional ¼ oz simple syrup.
Shake or stir until chilled.
Strain into a tall glass or mason jar with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.
Build the Pitcher (6–8 Servings)
In a large pitcher, combine 12–14 oz bourbon, 18–24 oz sweet tea, and 12–16 oz lemonade.
Add optional 1–2 oz simple syrup if you like it sweeter.
Stir well. Fill the pitcher halfway with ice.
Garnish with lemon wheels and fresh mint sprigs.
Serve in mason jars or tall glasses over ice.
