Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea Recipe

I first tried the Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea Recipe on a hot summer day, and it totally hit the spot.

Cool, citrusy, and packed with a bold kick, it reminded me of a Iced Tea—but with a Texas twist. That splash of bourbon brings in a rich, smooth flavor I love.

Making Steakhouse Texas Tea at home is simple, and it tastes just like the one at the restaurant.

What Is Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea Recipe?

Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea is a strong, refreshing cocktail made with a mix of popular liquors like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and bourbon.

It’s a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea but with bourbon added, which gives it a richer, warmer flavor.

The drink is known for being refreshing and smooth, with a balance of citrus and sweetness that makes it easy to drink. It’s a popular choice at Saltgrass Steakhouse and has become a favorite for those who want a cocktail that feels like a cool iced tea but with a boozy twist.

Difference between a Long Island Iced Tea and a Texas Tea

The main difference between a Long Island Iced Tea and a Texas Tea is the addition of whiskey or bourbon in the Texas Tea.

Both drinks have vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec, mixed with lemon juice and cola.

The Long Island Iced Tea uses cola to add sweetness and mask the strong alcohol taste, making it smooth and easy to drink. Texas Tea, however, adds bourbon, which brings in warm flavors like caramel and vanilla, giving the drink a bolder and richer taste.

Sometimes Texas Tea uses other sweeteners like simple syrup or fruit juices, making it a bit fruitier and stronger in alcohol flavor. So, Texas Tea is like a Long Island but with a deeper, more complex taste.

What Is in Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea?

• Ice – Fill your shaker and glass with ice. It chills the drink fast and keeps it crisp and smooth.
• ½ oz Vodka – Adds a clean, neutral alcohol base that blends well with the other spirits.
• ½ oz Gin – Brings in a little herbal note that balances the sweetness.
• ½ oz Light Rum – Light and slightly sweet, it gives the cocktail a smooth finish.
• ½ oz Tequila – Adds a sharp, earthy kick that cuts through the sweetness.
• ½ oz Bourbon – This is the heart of the Texas twist. It brings warmth and rich flavor.
• ½ oz Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens up the whole drink.
• ½ oz Simple Syrup – Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Coke – I top it off with a splash of Coke to give it that iced tea look and a smooth, fizzy finish.

Common Recipe Substitutions

1. Vodka: Swap with more gin or rum if you’re out. It’ll slightly change the flavor but still works.
2. Gin: Use extra vodka or rum for a milder taste.
3. Light Rum: Dark rum can work but will make the drink richer and darker.
4. Tequila: Skip it if you don’t have it, or add more bourbon for extra warmth.
5. Bourbon: Whiskey can substitute, but it won’t have the same sweet, oaky notes.
6. Lemon Juice: Fresh lime juice can replace it for a different citrus twist.
7. Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup works, but use a bit less since they’re sweeter.
8. Cola: Try a lemon-lime soda for a lighter, fizzier finish.

Kitchen Appliances

• Cocktail Shaker: To mix and chill the ingredients.
• Jigger or Measuring Spoon: For precise 1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) measurements.
• Strainer: To pour the mix over ice without the shaker ice.
• Tall Glass: A highball or Collins glass works best.
• Spoon or Straw: For stirring the cola topping.

How To Make Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea

Step 1 | Fill the Shaker

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. This helps chill the drink and blend the flavors smoothly.

Step 2 | Add the Spirits

Pour in ½ oz (about 1 tablespoon) of vodka, followed by ½ oz of gin. Then add ½ oz of light rum and ½ oz of tequila. Finish the mix with ½ oz of bourbon. These five spirits combine to create the bold, smooth base that gives Texas Tea its signature flavor and strength.

Step 3 | Add Lemon and Sweetness

Squeeze in ½ oz (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice. Then add ½ oz (1 tablespoon) simple syrup to sweeten and balance the strong spirits.

Step 4 | Shake the Drink

Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake the mixture well for about 10–15 seconds. The outside of the shaker should feel cold—this means it’s ready.

Step 5 | Prepare the Glass

Fill a tall glass with fresh ice cubes, leaving enough space at the top for the cola.

Step 6 | Strain the Mix

Strain the shaken mixture into the glass over the fresh ice.

Step 7 | Top with Cola

Top off the glass with a splash of cola (about 2 to 3 oz) for that classic Texas Tea finish.

Step 8 | Stir and Serve

Stir the drink gently with a spoon or straw. Garnish with a lemon slice if you’d like, and enjoy your homemade Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea!

Tips for the Perfect Balance

1. Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
2. Chill your glass in the fridge first for an extra-cold drink.
3. Don’t overdo the cola—just a splash to keep it balanced.
4. Taste the mix before adding cola to adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Use good-quality ice to avoid a watery drink.

Make Ahead Tips

I love prepping my Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea Recipe ahead to save time. Mix the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher (without ice or cola) and store it in the fridge for up to a day.

When you’re ready to serve, shake a portion with ice, strain into a glass, and top with cola. This keeps the drink fresh and fizzy. You can also pre-cut lemon slices for garnish and keep them in a sealed container. It’s a great way to have everything ready for a quick pour at your next get-together!

Serving Suggestion

Serve Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea in a tall glass with plenty of ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge for a fresh look.

It goes great with light snacks like chips or grilled veggies. This drink is perfect for relaxing on a warm day or enjoying with friends.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover mixed liquor (without Coke), store it in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to a day.

Avoid storing the drink with Coke added because it will lose its fizz. Always shake or stir before serving again.

Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version using iced tea, cola, lemon juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Add non-alcoholic spirit alternatives for flavor if desired. It won’t taste exactly like the original, but it’ll still be a fun, citrusy mocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping.

2. How strong is Saltgrass Texas Tea compared to regular cocktails?

Saltgrass Texas Tea is significantly stronger than most cocktails due to its blend of five liquors. It usually has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 22–28%, depending on your pour. Drink responsibly, and consider using half-ounce pours if you prefer a lighter version.

3. What glass size is ideal for serving this drink?

A 12 to 16 oz highball or Collins glass is ideal. These tall glasses allow enough room for ice, liquor, and cola topping while also making it easy to garnish with a lemon slice or wedge.

4. Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes, you can batch the base mix (all liquors, lemon juice, and syrup) in a pitcher and chill it. Avoid adding cola until serving time. This prevents flatness and preserves fizz. Multiply ingredients by your guest count and shake individual servings with ice before topping with soda.

5. Is this drink suitable for winter parties?

Although Texas Tea is popular in warm weather, its bourbon and deep flavors make it suitable for cooler months too. Serve it slightly less chilled, and consider using spiced cola or garnishing with a cinnamon stick to give it a more seasonal twist during fall and winter events.

6. Does the order of mixing the liquors matter?

Technically, no, but adding the liquors in order of their strength—from vodka to bourbon—can help maintain balance. This technique lets the softer spirits shine before the bold bourbon kicks in. Shaking the mix well also helps blend the flavors evenly for a smoother sip.

7. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Bottled lemon juice is convenient, but fresh-squeezed lemon juice offers a brighter, cleaner flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled will work, but look for preservative-free versions for better taste. Fresh lemon juice balances the strong spirits more naturally.

Final Words

I had so much fun mixing up this Saltgrass Steakhouse Texas Tea Recipe at home. That little Texas twist of bourbon really brings out the flavor and makes it stand out from other iced tea cocktails.

I hope you give this one a try—it’s one of my favorites to sip and enjoy. Don’t forget to share how it turned out and follow me on Pinterest for more easy, tasty recipes like this one!