Blackberry Bourbon Iced Tea

I'm guessing it's sweltering by you. Chances are your weather is at least 10°F hotter than mine down here in Florida this past week. There are also chances that you need a drink. A nice, cold, refreshing boozy drink. You know, while your sitting in front of your air conditioner that's maxing itself out. Just don't go outside, they say you'll get dehydrated and that boozy drinks don't help that. Pfffftttt.

It's only been in the high 90's lately, which is practically frigged for the end of July. (uh...yeah...frigged. No, not really.) I'll stay perfectly hydrated sipping on my boozy bourbon blackberry goodness before jumping in the 87°F gulf coast waters. (And yes, it is refreshing.)

If your not into the whole boozy qualities of this beverage, you still need to make it. Especially if you've got an excess of blackberries on hand and you love iced tea! It might seem like it takes a long time, but it is really good and totally worth it, especially if you make a double batch!

Blackberry Bourbon Iced Tea

Printable Recipe

By Bobby Flay

• 3 cups fresh blackberries
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, plus mint sprigs for garnish
• 6 good-quality black tea bags
• bourbon!

1. Combine the blackberries, sugar and chopped mint in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or wooden spoon; let sit while making the tea.
2. While the blackberries are macerating, bring 1 1/2 quarts cold water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags and let steep for about 3 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and pour the tea over the blackberry mixture. Let mixture sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
4. Pour the mixture through a strainer into a pitcher, pressing on the solids. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
5. Serve the blackberry tea over ice and float a shot of bourbon on top. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.