Vodka and iced tea is a great combo for a warm weather cocktail when you want something cold and a little more interesting than water, but not as heavy as a cocktail that requires shaking and syrups.

The tea adds tannins and a subtle bitterness, grounding the vodka. The result is a drink that feels light, even though it’s actually pretty boozy.

The tea

You’ll want to start with black tea, brewed strong, cooled, and refrigerated. Unsweetened is better because it gives you control over how sweet the final drink is. If you want something slightly more interesting, try Earl Grey. The bergamot adds a citrusy, floral note that pairs well with vodka. I actually prefer the Earl Grey version.

Peach tea, either homemade or store-bought, is another excellent option and sets up the glow-up version perfectly.

The vodka

A smooth, neutral vodka works best because iced tea has real flavor; the vodka blends in more than it does in a vodka soda, so you have a little more flexibility on brand.

Sweet or unsweet?

That depends on the tea you use. If you are starting with unsweetened iced tea, you may want to add a small splash of simple syrup to balance it out. My simple syrups page has the base recipe. It takes about ten minutes and keeps in the fridge for a week or so.

If you are using pre-sweetened tea, taste it before adding anything else, as sweet tea can be VERY sweet for some people, including me.

Ratio

2 oz vodka to 4 oz iced tea is the starting point. This drink leans lighter and longer, so going up to 5 or 6 oz of tea is just fine if you want something that will last longer.

Garnish

A lemon wedge squeezed in adds brightness. Fresh peach slices floating in the glass look great and reinforce the flavor if you go the peach tea route.

More in the cocktail garnishes guide.

The 3-Ingredient Upgrade: add Peach

Swap the plain iced tea for peach iced tea and add two or three fresh peach slices muddled lightly in the bottom of the glass before building the drink. The peach adds sweetness and a little fruit pulp, which just makes it more fun. Use your cocktail muddler on the peaches so you don’t shred them into bits.

If fresh peaches are not in season, peach tea bags make a solid substitution. Brew them a little stronger than you normally would.

Mocktail Version

Try iced tea with a squeeze of lemon and a splash of sparkling water. Peach iced tea with a sprig of fresh mint is my preferred tea, but that’s a personal preference.

Batching for a crowd

This is an easy pitcher drink. Mix 1 cup vodka with 4 cups iced tea and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour over ice in individual glasses at serving time. Store any leftover brewed tea in mason jars in the fridge.

More 2-Ingredient Vodka Cocktails:

• Vodka Apple
• Vodka Coffee
• Vodka Cranberry
• Vodka Guava
• Vodka Iced Tea
• Vodka Lemonade
• Vodka Pineapple
• Vodka Soda
• Vodka Sprite
• Vodka Tonic
• Vodka Watermelon
• Screwdriver

Other vodka cocktails to try:

• Earl Grey Blueberry Smash
• Pear Moscow Mule
• Maple Cranberry Smash

Vodka Iced Tea Recipe

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz iced tea (black or peach, unsweetened preferred)
• Lemon wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka.
3. Top with iced tea and stir gently.
4. Squeeze a lemon wedge over the top and drop it in.

Peach Glow-Up (3-Ingredient Version)

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz peach iced tea
• 2 to 3 fresh peach slices
• Lemon wedge or peach slice, for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle peach slices lightly in the bottom of a highball glass.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add vodka.
4. Top with peach iced tea and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or a fresh peach slice on the rim.