Spiced Black Tea and Whiskey Smash
A warming, aromatic cocktail where fragrant spiced tea harmonizes with smooth bourbon for a sophisticated evening sip. This recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together strong black tea, cinnamon stick, whole cloves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, brewed and cooled strong black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 3 oz sparkling water
- as needed ice cubes
- for garnish lemon twist
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup strong black tea (brewed and cooled), 1 cinnamon stick, 2 whole cloves, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice, then simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to infuse the spices, remove from heat, and steep for 10 minutes; strain into a bowl to remove solids.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, add the strained spiced tea, 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 oz maple syrup, then fill with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Step 3: Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice, top with 3 oz sparkling water, gently stir to combine, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Black Tea and Whiskey Smash take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Spiced Black Tea and Whiskey Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced black tea and whiskey smash in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Black Tea and Whiskey Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Black Tea and Whiskey Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Black Tea and Whiskey Smash?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This cocktail was a hit at my dinner party! The spiced tea and whiskey blend perfectly.
- ★★★★★
The recipe is so easy and the drink is incredibly refreshing. Will make again!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but the spiced tea was a bit too strong for my taste. Adjusted by adding more whiskey next time.
