Arnold Palmer Cocktail Recipe

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Arnold Palmer Cocktails are the perfect blend of sweet tea and tangy lemonade, spiked with your favorite bourbon for a refreshing drink. This classic summer cocktail works for any season, and for a non-alcoholic option, our Arnold Palmer Iced Tea offers the same crisp, tangy flavor without the spirits.

A mason jar filled with iced tea and ice cubes, garnished with a lemon slice on the rim. A whole lemon and another lemon slice are visible in the background.

Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21 and up; please enjoy responsibly.

Why You'll Love This Arnold Palmer Recipe

An Arnold Palmer cocktail is a great way to cool down on a hot day, and they are also a crowd-pleaser.

Simple to make. All you need is some iced tea, lemonade, and your favorite alcohol
Versatile. You can adjust the ratio of iced tea to lemonade to your liking, and you can also add different flavors to the mix.
Refreshing drink. The combination of iced tea and lemonade is perfect for a hot day, and the bourbon makes it a perfect happy hour libation.

A glass mason jar filled with iced tea and ice cubes, with a metal straw, sits on a white surface next to two whole lemons and a folded blue cloth.

Ingredients Overview

Use your preferred bourbon or whiskey for this Arnold Palmer cocktail, or none at all if you prefer it as a non alcoholic drink.

Black tea - Brewed and unsweetened. Use strong black tea for the best flavor.
Lemonade - Fresh or bottled.
Bourbon - Or Whiskey, any brand.
Ice

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is placed between two glasses, one filled with a yellow lemonade and the other with a dark iced tea. Lemons and a blue cloth are nearby on a light background.

How To Make An Arnold Palmer Cocktail

Arnold Palmer's are the alcoholic grown up drink as opposed to the Arnold Palmer non alcoholic drink. The only difference is the Arnold Palmer cocktail ingredients have the addition of either bourbon or whiskey.

Either way, alcoholic or non alcoholic, an Arnold Palmer is a classic and refreshing drink, especially in the summer.

A hand pours a clear liquid from a metal jigger into a mason jar filled with ice, with a lemon and another glass in the background on a blue cloth.

Fill your glasses about halfway with ice cubes. Measure and pour in the lemonade.

Pour in the black tea on top of the lemonade.

A hand pours a golden liquid from a metal jigger into a mason jar filled with ice, with a lemon and a blue cloth in the background.

A hand pours a light brown liquid from a metal jigger into a mason jar filled with ice cubes. Lemons and a glass of ice are nearby on a white countertop.

You can use Jack Daniels, or any brand of bourbon or whiskey that you like. Stir, and garnish with a slice of lemon and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Arnold Palmer Cocktails over ice in a tall glass with a wedge of lemon for a bright, refreshing presentation. They pair well with light, casual bites like our Thai Pork Skewers, or a simple summer salad for an easy gathering. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon twist can make the drink feel even more festive and inviting.

A mason jar filled with iced tea and ice cubes, garnished with a lemon slice, sits on a blue cloth with whole lemons nearby. Another jar of iced tea is partially visible in the background.

Substitutions and Variations

Some useful tips and substitutions when making this recipe:

Swap the bourbon: Try whiskey, spiced rum, or tequila for a different twist on the classic flavor.
Make it non-alcoholic: Use our Arnold Palmer Half and Half Iced Tea for the same refreshing taste without alcohol.
Adjust the sweetness: Add a little simple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Change the tea: Brew a flavored black or green tea to give the cocktail a unique aroma and taste.
Add garnish flair: Use a lemon wheel, lime slice, or fresh mint to dress up the drink and enhance the presentation.

Tips for Success

Helpful tips to help you when making this recipe:

Use fresh lemonade and tea: Freshly made lemonade and brewed tea give the cocktail a brighter, cleaner flavor.
Chill ingredients: Keep both the tea and lemonade cold before mixing to maintain a refreshing temperature.
Measure carefully: Balance the ratio of tea to lemonade to keep the classic Arnold Palmer taste.
Add ice last: Pour over ice cubes just before serving to prevent dilution.
Garnish options: A lemon wedge or sprig of mint adds visual appeal and a hint of fresh aroma.

Storage Options

Here is how I store leftovers when making this recipe:

Arnold Palmer's are best served immediately after mixing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Arnold Palmer cocktail?

An Arnold Palmer cocktail is a drink that combines sweet tea and lemonade with your choice of bourbon for a refreshing, slightly boozy beverage.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Yes, using our Arnold Palmer Half and Half Iced Tea or Strawberry Arnold Palmer Iced Tea keeps the classic flavor without alcohol.

What type of bourbon works best?

A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon works well to complement the tartness of the lemonade and the tea.

What glass should I serve an Arnold Palmer cocktail in?

A tall glass or highball glass works best to accommodate ice and the tea-lemonade mixture.

Should I stir the drink or shake it?

Stir gently over ice to combine the ingredients while keeping the drink clear and visually appealing.

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Two mason jars filled with iced tea and ice cubes, each garnished with a lemon slice on the rim. Fresh lemons and a checkered cloth are in the background.

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