There's something about a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot day that just feels right. Add a splash of vodka and a sprig of fresh mint, and you've got the ultimate summer cocktail! It's refreshing, easy, and just the right amount of boozy. This Sweet Tea Vodka recipe has been a favorite around here for years, and it couldn't be simpler to make. Sip it on the porch or serve a crowd at a cookout, it's the kind of drink that always hits the spot!
You can use homemade sweet tea (my go-to) or keep things quick with your favorite store-bought brand. Either way, this sweet tea vodka cocktail is light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. Let's make one!
Why You'll Love This Cocktail
- It's refreshing and perfect for hot days. Sweet tea and vodka were made for summer. Add ice and mint, and it's instant porch-sipping perfection!
- It has just 3 ingredients. Vodka, sweet tea, and fresh mint - that's it! No fancy bar tools or syrups required.
- It's totally customizable. Use homemade sweet tea or store-bought, make it boozier or lighter, sweeten it up or tone it down. You're in charge.
- It's great for gatherings. This recipe easily scales up to make a pitcher for parties, brunch, or backyard barbecues.
- It's Southern-inspired with a twist. Think Arnold Palmer meets happy hour, plus its easy to make and a little bit nostalgic.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Vodka: No need to grab the top-shelf stuff here. I usually reach for Tito's, but any good mid-range vodka will do. Use what you like!
- Sweet Tea: Homemade sweet tea is always my first choice, but bottled sweet tea works just fine! Choose one with the level of sweetness you prefer.
- Fresh Mint (optional): Muddling mint in the bottom of your glass adds a fresh flavor that takes this drink to the next level. You can also use it as a garnish.
- Optional Garnishes: Lemon slices, lime wedges, fresh berries, or even a few thin apple slices make it even prettier and add a subtle flavor. This is totally optional, but it's a fun way to dress it up!
How to Make Sweet Tea Vodka
This cocktail couldn't be easier to pull together! There's no shaker and no syrup, just a glass and a few simple ingredients.
- Muddle the mint. Add a few fresh mint leaves to the bottom of your glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press them (just enough to release their oils without shredding the leaves).
- Add ice and vodka. Fill the glass with ice, then pour in 2 ounces of vodka (or more if you like it stronger).
- Top with sweet tea. Pour in your sweet tea (about 6 ounces or enough to fill the glass). Use more or less depending on how strong you'd like the drink.
- Garnish and serve. Add more mint leaves or a slice of lemon, and enjoy it right away.
That's it! It's ice cold, refreshing, and easy enough to mix up anytime you're in the mood.
Variations & Tips
This sweet tea vodka cocktail is flexible and really easy to customize. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Spiked Arnold Palmer (aka John Daly): Mix equal parts lemonade and sweet tea along with the vodka for a boozy twist on the classic Arnold Palmer. This version is often called a John Daly cocktail.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you're making your own sweet tea, control the sugar to suit your taste. Prefer a less sweet drink? Cut back on the sugar. Like it sweeter? Add a bit of simple syrup or honey.
- Use Different Spirits: Vodka is the go-to and the best choice imho, but it's not your only option. Try using bourbon, rum, tequila, or gin.
- Make It Sugar Free: Use unsweetened tea and a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia, monk fruit, or allulose to keep things low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Batch It for a Crowd: Hosting a cookout or summer gathering? Multiply the ingredients and stir everything together in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled in the fridge and add ice and garnish just before serving.
When to Serve It
This easy cocktail is made for warm weather and easygoing gatherings. Here are some of my favorite times to serve it:
Summer barbecues: It's refreshing, easy to make in batches, and pairs perfectly with grilled foods. Another bbq favorite are these pomegranate margaritas by the pitcher.
Porch or patio hangouts: Ideal for sipping slowly on a hot afternoon with your feet up.
Brunches and bridal showers: Light and pretty, especially with a few lemon slices or berries. Sweet tea sangria would also be a gorgeous choice!
Poolside parties: Serve it ice cold in tall glasses or mason jars (be careful of glass by the pool)! Of course, you can never go wrong with a good (and easy!) mezcal cocktail.
Tailgates and game day: A Southern-inspired drink choice that's a nice change from beer.
Basically, if it's sunny out and you want something simple and delicious, sweet tea vodka is your friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a pitcher of sweet tea vodka?
Just scale up the recipe, no problem! Stick with about 3 parts sweet tea to 1 part vodka (you can always add more vodka individually), then add fresh mint and citrus slices. Chill it in the fridge until you're ready to serve, and pour it over ice in individual glasses.
Does Sweet Tea Vodka have caffeine?
It depends on the recipe. Most sweet teas, homemade or store-bought, have caffeine. You could make your own caffeine-free sweet tea if that's a concern.
What's the difference between sweet tea vodka and a John Daly cocktail?
Sweet tea vodka is simply vodka mixed with sweet tea. A John Daly cocktail adds lemonade into the mix, making it a boozy version of an Arnold Palmer.
Can I use flavored vodka?
Citrus, peach, or berry-flavored vodkas all work really well with sweet tea. They'll add an extra layer of flavor without needing more ingredients!
What kind of tea should I use?
Use your favorite sweet tea since you know you already love it. If you make it yourself, black tea is traditional for Southern-style sweet tea (something like Luzianne or Lipton). But feel free to get creative with green tea, hibiscus, or even a fruit-infused tea.
Is this the same as Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka?
They're similar but not quite the same. Firefly is a pre-made flavored vodka that tastes like sweet tea. This recipe uses regular vodka and real brewed sweet tea, so you get a fresher flavor and more control over sweetness.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep! Just mix everything but the ice and garnish, then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It'll keep well for a few days.
Sweet Tea Vodka
Sweet Tea Vodka & Fresh Mint - a refreshing vodka cocktail that's perfect for these hot summer days! The fresh mint adds a wonderful flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 6 oz sweet tea (more or less to taste)
- a sprig of fresh mint
Instructions
- Muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of a glass then fill with ice. Add vodka. Pour sweet tea over vodka to fill the glass. Garnish with more mint leaves and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 16gNet Carbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 0g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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gourmandeinthek says
Now that's what I want to sip on at the end of a long hot summer day!
Amy Winning Flanigan says
I'm so thirsty!!
melaniebauer says
Sounds absolutely awesome - the perfect signature drink for Summer!
Angela Robles says
Now that's what I'm talkin' about! I'll take 2, please!
Nik Sharma says
Yes, please!
Christiane Bilezikian Potts says
Oh my gosh, that's beautiful. I'm not a sweet tea person, but I think I'm willing to change my mind on that one, especially considering the ingredients!