Spiked Arnold Palmer Cocktail with Vodka

Spiked Arnold Palmer

The Spiked Arnold Palmer is a boozy twist on the classic non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer — half lemonade, half iced tea — and is often called a “John Daly” in popular culture. Whatever you call it, this cocktail is all about easy refreshment: tart lemonade balanced by sweet tea flavors and the smoothness of vodka. It’s an ideal choice for summer parties, casual entertaining, or any time you want a cool, citrusy drink with a light kick.

You don’t need any special tools to make this drink. No shaker, muddler, or fancy glassware required — just ice, lemonade, and iced tea vodka. It’s also a great make-ahead cocktail: premix a pitcher for a day on the water, a picnic, or to serve at a barbecue.

To build a classic Spiked Arnold Palmer you’ll want quality lemonade and iced tea vodka. If you enjoy making your own, homemade sweet tea vodka adds depth and a fresh tea flavor that elevates the drink. If not, plain vodka combined with ready-made sweet iced tea works well too. For a fruitier profile, try a peach-flavored whiskey or flavored vodka to give the tea notes a seasonal twist.

Simple substitutions and add-ins:

• Use store-bought sweet tea vodka or make your own by steeping strong sweet tea with vodka and letting it infuse.
• Swap lemonade for sparkling lemonade for a fizzy variation.
• Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a lemon slice as a garnish for extra brightness.

How To Make This Recipe

This cocktail is intentionally unfussy. Fill a glass with ice, pour in lemonade and iced tea vodka, stir gently, and enjoy. It’s the ideal drink when the goal is refreshment, not complexity. If you prefer a single-serving pitcher approach, combine equal parts lemonade and iced tea vodka in a pitcher, refrigerate until chilled, and serve over ice.

Tips for best results:

• Use freshly chilled lemonade and cold vodka to keep dilution minimal.
• Adjust the ratio to taste — some prefer a stronger tea presence, others a sweeter lemonade-forward sip.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel, a sprig of mint, or a thin slice of peach for visual appeal and a hint of aroma.

Serve This With

Pair this light, citrusy cocktail with appetizers and small plates that complement its sweet-and-tart profile. Some excellent options include:

• Coconut Shrimp — crispy and tropical, the sweetness plays well with the tea notes.
• Smoked Caramelized Onion Dip — a savory contrast to the drink’s brightness.
• Mexican Shrimp Cocktail — adds spice and acidity that match the lemonade.
• Spicy Fried Shrimp — bold flavors that balance the cool drink.
• Smoked Deviled Eggs — creamy and smoky bites that pair nicely.
• Cheesy Artichoke Dip — rich and savory, a satisfying companion.