Iced tea and bourbon are both quintessential Southern drinks, and while each is fantastic on its own, they also pair well together. The combination of the two creates a unique and flavorful cocktail that adds even more depth and complexity to your favorite bourbon, and there is one type of tea in particular that works especially well.

Bourbon cocktails tend to have a lot of sweetness and aromas of vanilla, caramel, fruit, and honey, and work well with ingredients that round out that sweetness and bring balance. The tannins in black tea complement the sweet notes of bourbon, while the bitterness of the tea helps balance out the drink's overall flavor profile.

A refreshing example of this combination is a bourbon sweet tea cocktail, and all you have to do to make it is brew a cup of black tea and cool it to room temperature, then add an equal amount of your favorite bourbon, a splash of lemon juice, and a bit of simple syrup to taste. Stir well and serve over ice for the best of two drinks in one.