Turkey inspired by pitchers of sweet tea?

Turkey is a lean meat with little fat, so it needs extra help with a brine solution to give it moisture. Instead of water, I choose to brine in sweet tea in honor of my Grandmother Mammy.

A Tribute to Mammy's Sweet Tea Tradition

It's my way of paying homage to my Grandmother and my Southern roots. Daily she made three pitchers of tea - 2 sweet and 1 unsweet. The pitchers were not for her but for the visitors that made their way to her home. My two uncles would stop in and have lunch with her or just check in, but they would always sit for a glass of tea. It would not be uncommon for my cousins and their friends to stop by after school to grab a glass and a hug.

When I visited my grandmother during the summers, the first thing we would make was her tea. This gesture came right from her heart, and I am so thankful I witnessed her love and hospitality play out in this simple act of love.

Why Sweet Tea Brining Works

Brining turkey in sweet tea serves multiple purposes: the salt helps the meat retain moisture, the sugar adds subtle sweetness and promotes beautiful browning, and the tea provides tannins that enhance flavor complexity. It's a uniquely Southern approach that transforms an ordinary turkey breast into something truly special.

Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast Recipe

For the Brine

• 4 pound turkey breast, deboned and butterflied
• 2 family-sized tea bags (my preference is Lipton)
• 4 cups water
• 3 cups ice
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

For the Turkey

• 1 stick salted butter, cut into 8 slices
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 6 slices cooked bacon
• 1 apple, cored, peeled, and chunked
• 1 bunch kale, sliced very thin
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare the brine: Add water to medium saucepan and bring to boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 15 minutes. Remove tea bags and add sugar and salt, stirring until dissolved.
3. Add rosemary, peppercorns, garlic, onion, and lemon to the tea mixture. Stir to combine and cool completely.
4. Place brine in large plastic bowl or extra-large zip bag, add 3 cups of ice to ensure brine is cooled down. Place turkey breast in the bowl or plastic bag. Note: If using a bag, place it on a sheet tray in case of leaks.
5. Brine the turkey: Place turkey and brine in refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking.
6. Prepare for cooking: Remove turkey breast from brine and pat dry. Do not rinse.
7. Place turkey breast skin-side down. Layer bacon strips, apple chunks, and fresh kale evenly on the breast meat.
8. Starting at the long end, roll the turkey into a long cylinder. Using kitchen twine, tie the breast closed with about 1.5 inches between each knot.
9. Drizzle the rolled turkey breast with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Add butter slices on top of herbs.
10. Cook the turkey: Place turkey breast seam-side down on a rack over a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or until thermometer reads 160°F. Turkey will continue cooking after removal from oven to reach optimal internal temperature of 165°F.
11. Rest and serve: Remove turkey from oven and let rest at least 15 minutes. Remove kitchen twine, place on platter, and slice.

Yield: Serves 8-10 people

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

This sweet tea brined turkey pairs beautifully with traditional Southern sides and makes an elegant centerpiece for any gathering. Looking for the perfect appetizers before dinner? I highly recommend starting with some Spiced Pecans and a classic Old Fashioned made with our signature Boozy Cherries® – Bourbon Cocktail Cherries.

The subtle sweetness from the sweet tea brine complements the rich, bourbon-soaked flavor of our Boozy Cherries perfectly. Consider serving an Old Fashioned or Manhattan as your signature cocktail - the cherries add that perfect finishing touch that guests always remember.

Carrying Forward Family Traditions

Every time I prepare this sweet tea brined turkey, I'm reminded of Mammy's kitchen and the constant stream of visitors who knew they'd always find a warm welcome and a cold glass of sweet tea. This recipe is more than just a cooking technique - it's a way to honor the Southern tradition of hospitality that my grandmother embodied every single day.

Just as Mammy's sweet tea brought people together, sharing this special turkey with family and friends creates those same moments of connection and joy around the dinner table.