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This Spiked Peach Sweet Tea is the most perfect Southern cocktail and it’s perfect for your Kentucky Derby party! Spike this classic sweet tea with whisky for an adults only drink, or serve it without for a non-alcoholic version.
Easy and quick to make with a few simple ingredients.
This weekend we’re looking forward to watching the Kentucky Derby with friends. While I’m not hosting a party tomorrow, I am inviting ya’ll over for cocktails today with a Kentucky Derby drink on the menu – spiked peach tea.
What’s more southern than sweet tea? My friend Tori introduced me to peach sweet tea years ago. Unfortunately, living in the Midwest it isn’t always easy to find.
Last summer I decided to puree a can of peaches and magic happened. I blended them into fresh brewed tea. Of course adding a little whiskey never hurts either. I recommend serving your peach sweet tea alongside a bottle of whiskey to let guests choose. Either way, they’ll be pleased as punch.
If you are planning a party for the Derby, be sure to check out my Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Recipe too!
Table of Contents
To Make Spiked Peach Sweet Tea, You Will Need:
- Sugar – Plain white sugar gives this drink a subtle sweetness.
- Tea Bags – Use black tea for this recipe like Lipton or Luzianne, and brew them according to the instructions on the pack.
- Water
- Peaches – Canned peaches are your best and easiest option for this recipe. Puree them in a food processor so that they are smooth and mix well with the tea.
- Whiskey – This is an optional add in! You can serve the tea as it is or mix in a shot of whiskey to each glass!
How To Make Spiked Peach Sweet Tea
- Heat water with tea bags according to instructions on tea bags.
- Add a cup of sugar to a large pourable mixing bowl or pitcher. Pour tea over sugar and stir.
- Puree peaches in a food processor. You can substitute peach puree found in a can.
- Blend peaches with tea. Allow to come to room temperature or transfer to a plastic pitcher and refrigerate or add ice to cool.
What’s The Best Whiskey To Use?
I like to spike my iced peach tea with Basil Hayden’s whiskey. It is a light bourbon with a buttery and smooth flavor. It has a tannic finish, so it works wonderfully with the tea.
You can of course use your favorite whiskey in this recipe, but I do favor a smooth bourbon such as Maker’s Mark or W.L. Weller Reserve.
What’s The Difference Between Sweet Tea and Iced Tea?
The difference between sweet tea and iced tea is the additional sugar. Iced tea is simply cold tea served with ice, but the added sugar in the sweet tea makes a stronger tasting and more enjoyable drink (for me anyway!).
I find when the additional sugar really works better with the whiskey. You can of course turn this recipe into a straight peach tea by simply omitting the sugar.
Tips To Make Spiked Peach Sweet Tea
- Make Ahead – You can make this iced peach tea ahead of time if you are entertaining and want to get organized. The tea is best drunk within 24 hours, but it’s still good for up to 3 days if you keep it covered in the fridge. After three days, I find the flavor starts to get a little strange!
- Avoid Burning – Bring the water to the boil, but then let it cool for a minute or two before adding it to your teabags.
- Best Flavor – To achieve the best flavor let your teabags steep in the water for about 15 minutes before removing them and blending in the peaches.
Looking for more fun party cocktails? Check out this DIY Mojito Bar for the ultimate self-serve bar set-up!
If you try this iced peach tea recipe, please come back to share using my 5 star rating in the comments below! Not only do I appreciate it, but I know readers do, too!
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
Spiked Peach Sweet Tea
This Spiked Peach Sweet Tea is the most perfect Southern cocktail and it's perfect for your Kentucky Derby party! Spike this classic iced peach tea with whisky for a delicious drink!
Yield servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 5 bags tea
- 8 cups water
- 1 standard can of peaches drained
- whiskey (optional)
Instructions
- Heat water with tea bags according to instructions on tea bags.
- Add a cup of sugar to a large pourable mixing bowl or pitcher. Pour tea over sugar and stir.
- Puree peaches in a food processor. {You can substitute peach puree found in a can}
- Blend peaches with tea. Allow to come to room temperature or transfer to a plastic pitcher and refrigerate or add ice to cool.
Tips
- Make ahead – best within 24 hours, but keeps 3 days covered in the refrigerator.
- To get the best flavor, let your teabags steep in the water for about 15 minutes before removing them and blending in the peaches.
- Be sure to blend your peaches really well so that the combine with the tea easily and there aren’t any lumps.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 146kcal (7%), Carbohydrates: 37g (12%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 1g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1g (5%), Sodium: 17mg (1%), Potassium: 81mg (2%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 37g (41%), Vitamin A: 139IU (3%), Vitamin C: 3mg (4%), Calcium: 13mg (1%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Brenna@DomesticCharm says
That sounds great! I love peach sweet tea. Although, I suggest serving it with Kentucky Bourbon…… when in Rome…….:-)