My dad has ordered an Arnold Palmer at every restaurant we’ve ever gone to together, non negotiably. Adding a splash of vodka or bourbon to his usual order felt like a small betrayal the first time I did it, but he approved once he actually tasted it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 5 minutes
- A grown up version of a drink almost everyone already likes
- Easy to make a full pitcher for a backyard gathering
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed iced tea, unsweetened | 1/2 cup | Black tea is traditional |
| Lemonade | 1/2 cup | Fresh or store bought |
| Vodka or bourbon | 1.5 oz | Bourbon adds more warmth, vodka stays neutral |
| Ice | As needed | |
| Lemon slice | For garnish | Optional |
Pro tip: brew the tea a little stronger than usual if you’re planning to add ice, since the melting ice will dilute it as the drink sits.
Kitchen Tools & Equipment
- A tall glass
- A jigger or measuring shot glass
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Brew and cool the tea if it isn’t already prepared.
Step 2: Fill the Glass
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Step 3: Add Layers of Flavor
Pour in the tea, lemonade, and vodka or bourbon.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tips:
- Use unsweetened tea and adjust sweetness with the lemonade, so the drink isn’t cloying.
- Bourbon pairs especially well if you want a slightly smoky note behind the citrus.
Mistakes:
- Using a heavily sweetened bottled tea, which makes the finished drink overly sugary.
- Skipping the stir, which leaves the alcohol pooled at the bottom instead of evenly mixed.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
- Leave out the alcohol entirely for the classic non alcoholic version.
- Add a splash of peach syrup for a Southern twist on the drink.
What to Serve With This Dish
This is a natural match for anything off the grill, including grilled corn on the cob or a plate of smashburgers.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage: not applicable, best made fresh.
Reheating: not applicable.
Freezing: not applicable, though you can freeze extra brewed tea into ice cubes to avoid watering down the drink.
FAQs About This Recipe
Can I make a pitcher for a group?
Yes, mix the tea, lemonade, and alcohol in a large pitcher using equal ratios, then serve over ice in individual glasses.
What alcohol works best?
Vodka keeps the flavor closest to the original drink, while bourbon adds warmth and depth if you want something a bit bolder.
Final Thoughts
My dad still orders the virgin version at restaurants, but he’s fully on board with the spiked one at home now.
Save this one for the next cookout where a pitcher needs to do double duty.
