Spiked Arnold Palmer (Bourbon or Vodka)
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Some sips are simply made for porch swings, sunshine, and slow afternoons – and the Arnold Palmer drink is one of them. This iconic half iced tea, half lemonade drink is already refreshing on its own, but add a splash of bourbon or vodka, and it turns into a laid-back cocktail that’s perfect for summer entertaining or casual happy hours. Meet the Spiked Arnold Palmer – all the nostalgic charm of the original, with a spirited twist.
While the classic Arnold Palmer drink is a non-alcoholic mocktail, this grown-up version is just as easy to make and even more fun to serve. Whether you prefer the smoky depth of bourbon or the clean finish of vodka, a spiked Arnold Palmer can be tailored to your taste. It’s crisp, tangy, slightly sweet, and endlessly sippable – especially when served over lots of ice with a fresh lemon wedge and sprig of mint.
The History of the Arnold Palmer Drink
The Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic drink made by combining equal parts iced tea and homemade lemonade. It’s named after the legendary American golfer Arnold Palmer, who famously ordered the drink at restaurants and during tournaments on the golf course.
This refreshing combo has become a cultural staple – perfect for hot weather and easy to make at home. The drink’s simplicity makes it an ideal base for spiking with alcohol, which is how the Spiked Arnold Palmer was born. While not as well known as Palmer, golfer John Daly enjoyed vodka in his Arnold Palmer drink, making one spiked with vodka a John Daly Cocktail.
While this cocktail can be made with store-bought lemonade (or homemade lemonade), I like breaking down those parts and essentially making fresh lemonade in the cocktail shaker alongside the rest of the ingredients. It gives you much more control over the sweetness of the drink and allows for more customization when building it.
This classic beverage is a go-to for backyard barbecues, brunches, or whenever you’re craving something cold and citrusy. The Spiked Arnold Palmer is an easy, breezy drink that feels like summer in a glass. Mix one up, grab a snack, and let happy hour begin.
What’s in a Spiked Arnold Palmer?
- Unsweetened iced tea – Use a strong black tea like English breakfast (regular or decaf). Brew it fresh and let it cool, or use a quality bottled iced tea with no sugar.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon gives this cocktail its homemade lemonade flavor. You’ll need about 1 lemon per recipe.
- Simple Syrup – The ultimate way to control the sweetness in your drinks is to add the sugar in as a separate ingredient, which is what we’re doing here. Add more if you prefer a sweet cocktail. Get my recipe and instructions for making simple syrup at home on my simple syrup recipe page.
- Bourbon or vodka – Choose your favorite spirit and brand for this cocktail. Both bourbon and vodka are delicious mixed with iced tea and lemonade. But both lend very different flavors to the drink, so go with your preferred liquor.
- Mint and lemon slices – Garnish your cocktail with fresh mint sprigs and lemon wheels or lemon wedges.
How to Make a Spiked Arnold Palmer Drink
In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice, combine bourbon or vodka, iced tea, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Cover and shake well. Strain into a large rocks glass filled with ice cubes (or one big cube).
Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
Stir, sip, and enjoy.
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Spiked Arnold Palmer Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces iced tea, unsweetened
- 1.5 ounces bourbon, or vodka
- 0.75 ounces lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Fresh mint and lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice, combine bourbon or vodka, iced tea, lemon juice, and simple syrup.3 ounces iced tea, 1.5 ounces bourbon, 0.75 ounces lemon juice, 1 ounce simple syrup
- Cover and shake well.
- Strain into a large rocks glass filled with ice cubes (or one big cube).
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.Fresh mint and lemon wedges
- Stir, sip, and enjoy.
Bourbon vs Vodka: Which Should You Use?
For a richer, warmer cocktail, go with a bourbon. Kentucky brands like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Four Roses are great options that won’t overpower the drink. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, vodka keeps the drink crisp and bright. Tito’s, Ketel One, or Absolut brands all work well.
Make This Drink Your Own
My favorite way to customize this Spiked Arnold Palmer is to swap out the simple syrup for another sweetener. Try a fresh mint simple syrup or honey simple syrup. Using bourbon? Maple syrup is a delicious swap for the simple syrup that pairs perfectly with bourbon.
Other Cocktails You’ll Love if You Like a Spiked Arnold Palmer
These drinks all share the same refreshing citrus or spirit-inspired base, making them great alternatives when you’re in the mood for something similar but slightly different. If you like the flavor and feel of a Spiked Arnold Palmer, you’ll may also enjoy one of these delicious recipes:
- Bourbon Ginger Cocktail – A light and fizzy bourbon drink with a ginger kick.
- Lemon Drop Martini – Vodka, fresh lemon, and citrus flavors. Perfect for someone who enjoys a vodka spiked Arnold Palmer.
- Ginger Bourbon Sour – A tangy ginger sip that’s whiskey-forward with plenty of lemon.
- Bee’s Knees Cocktail – Refreshing and lemony with just enough honey sweetness.
- Bourbon Smash – As fresh and refreshing as bourbon can get! Make the citrus version of this smash cocktail for an easy and delicious summer sip.
Looking for a Non-Alcoholic Version?
Want a classic Arnold Palmer drink without the alcohol? Head over to my Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe page for the traditional version of this ultimate summer cocktail.
What to Serve with a Spiked Arnold Palmer
This cocktail goes well with hearty snacks and flavorful bites. Try it with a batch of my cheeseburger sliders or barbecue meatballs, or a plate of whipped feta bruschetta with sun-dried tomatoes. Want less of a meal? My favorite bar snack – slow cooker savory spiced nuts – pairs perfectly with a Spiked Arnold Palmer.
