Theo's Black Tea and Plum Bourbon Cooler
Bourbon, brisk black tea, ripe plum syrup, and lemon make a tall, tart cooler.
Prep: 8 · Cook: · Total: 8 · Serves: 1 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (81 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
An original cooler built around the dark fruit and citrus flavors found at old roadside soda counters. Strong tea keeps the bourbon drink crisp.
Story
A good cooler needs some backbone, not just a pile of sweet fruit. Black tea gives this glass that dry diner-counter snap, and plum syrup brings in a late-season fruit note. Shake it hard enough to chill, then let the bubbles do the rest. This one belongs beside a plate of something salty and a long stretch of highway.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces chilled strong black tea
- 3/4 ounce plum syrup
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces chilled sparkling water
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 cup ice
- 1 thin lemon wheel
- 1 small pinch flaky salt
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice and set it aside while you mix the drink.
- Add the bourbon, black tea, plum syrup, lemon juice, and bitters to a small shaker or jar.
- Add a few ice cubes, cover, and shake for about 8 seconds, just until cold.
- Strain the mixture into the ice-filled glass.
- Top with sparkling water and stir once gently from the bottom.
- Add the lemon wheel and a tiny pinch of flaky salt, then serve right away.
Chef Tips
- Brew the tea strong, then chill it fully so it does not melt the ice too quickly.
- Taste the plum syrup before mixing; use a little less if it is especially sweet.
- For a zero-proof version, replace bourbon with more black tea and a splash of verjus.
- Add the sparkling water last to keep the drink lively.
Cook's Notes
- **Tea:** Brew it strong and chill it before mixing.
- **Sweetness:** Start with less plum syrup if yours is very ripe or thick.
- **Bubbles:** Pour sparkling water in at the end and stir only once.