Fore! If you're looking for the ultimate summer cocktail, the Spiked Arnold Palmer is it. Crisp, refreshing, and just the right amount of kick. You only need iced tea, lemonade, and vodka for one seriously refreshingly delicious sipper.
Also known as the John Daly Cocktail, named for a professional golfer with a bit of a bad-boy vibe, this sunshiny cocktail is a favorite next to ranch waters and margaritas for the golf course, poolside hangs, and backyard BBQs.
As a former mixologist, this was always a go-to on busy nights. It came together in seconds and never failed to please. Now, as a seasoned hostess, I love it for the same reasons. I can make a big batch served pitcher-style in a snap, and it always pleases a crowd.
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Why This Recipe Works
Balance | The Arnold Palmer spiked with vodka is such a balanced cocktail: sweet and the crispness of the lemonade in combination with the tea is light and refreshing. The acidity from the lemon helps to mellow out the harsh flavor of the vodka. If this cocktail is your jam, you'll love a Hugo spritz or Pimm's cup!
Customizable | You can make it as straightforward or as homemade as you want. Store-bought tea and lemonade work great in a pinch, but if you want to channel your inner mixologist, we'll help you pull out all the stops below.
Mocktail-Ready | The original Arnold Palmer beverage (named after a famous 1960s golfer; this was his go-to beverage) is a simple mix of half lemonade, half tea--delicious without the vodka and perfect for serving to those who abstain from alcohol.
What You Need for Spiked Arnold Palmers
Vodka | Use your favorite vodka! For a 16-ounce cocktail (like this one), 2 ounces of alcohol is standard; however, how much you serve per cocktail really depends on your tolerance and that of your guests. To get a feel for vodka used in some of our other cocktails, check out our white wine sangria, vodka mojito, or vodka sour recipes. Always consume and serve responsibly.
Lemonade | Use your favorite store-bought lemonade or make your own sweet and sour! To make a lemonade-flavored sweet and sour perfect for Arnold Palmers, use the juice of 1 large lemon, plus 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of water per cocktail.
Tea | Your go-to store-bought iced tea will work great for spiked Arnold Palmers, but you can certainly go the homemade route. A chilled, strong-brewed black tea is perfect for this John Daly-inspired cocktail, but you can get creative as you'd like. Flavored teas like peach or raspberry would be delicious in this summertime cocktail. And if you make your own tea, you can sweeten it to your taste using simple syrup or demerara sugar.
Garnish | Lemon wedges or wheels instantly elevate this cocktail for parties and backyard hangs. I prefer a little extra citrus in my cocktails and will go as far as to squeeze a half a lemon in my spiked Arnold Palmer. A sprig of mint adds to the refreshing nature of spiked Arnold Palmers.
How to Make Spiked Arnold Palmers
Fill a Collins (16-ounce) glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of lemonade, and 3 ounces of tea. If you're using store-bought lemonade and like it extra tart, feel free to squeeze up to half a lemon in there. Stir, garnish with a lemon wedge and sprig of mint, and sip!
Make Ahead | Ingredients can be combined and chilled days in advance. Just don't add ice until serving time.
What to Serve with Spiked Arnold Palmers
Any time the sun is shining and the weather is warm is a great time to serve Arnold Palmers. They're an ideal cocktail for poolside hangs and backyard BBQs, brunches, and more.
Poolside Hangs | Keep the menu light, flavorful, and easy to nibble when poolside with a chilled spiked Arnold Palmer. Shrimp cocktail brings a briny, refreshing bite that pairs perfectly with the drink’s citrusy edge, while pimento cheese dip with crackers adds a creamy, Southern twist. For a touch of sweetness, fruit dip with fresh berries and melon is a fun, crowd-pleasing treat, and chicken salad sliders offer a satisfying, small bite without weighing you down.
Backyard BBQ | Pair this refreshing cocktail with smoky brisket and tender pulled pork sliders for a satisfying main lineup. Air fryer zucchini adds a crisp, buttery side, while a watermelon salad offers a juicy, cooling contrast. Round it all out with a creamy potato salad, and you’ve got a spread that balances bold BBQ flavors with light, summery sips—ideal for relaxing under the sun with good food and great company.
FAQs
These cocktails are the exact same thing, both consisting of tea, lemonade, and vodka. An Arnold Palmer (not spiked) contains only tea and lemonade.
Vodka is the classic spirit for spiked Arnold Palmers. It doesn't compete with the other flavors of the cocktail and blends perfectly with the lemony essence of the lemonade, keeping the drink light and refreshing.
Yes! This cocktail is perfect for serving pitcher-style. To make a batch for 6-8 guests, add 1 ½ cups of vodka, 2 ¼ cups lemonade, and 2 ¼ cups iced tea to your favorite pitcher and stir! Pour over glasses full of ice and enjoy!
Black tea is the classic choice for this famous beverage, but feel free to add in fun flavors with a peach-, raspberry-, or even mango-flavored tea!
5 More Summer Cocktails You'll Love
Spiked Arnold Palmer
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces chilled lemonade
- 3 ounces chilled black tea
- Lemon wedges and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a highball or Collins glass. Add vodka, lemonade, and tea. Stir to combine. Garnish as desired, serve, and enjoy responsibly.
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