Classic Arnold Palmer Drink
The Arnold Palmer Cocktail is a delicious and refreshing blend of tea and lemonade. This classic combination has been around since the 1960s when legendary golfer Arnold Palmer asked for it at a restaurant while in Palm Springs, California, after a long day of designing a golf course. Since then, this iconic drink has become an international favorite.

Key Takeaways
- The Arnold Palmer Cocktail blends tea and lemonade and became popular since the 1960s.
- For the adult version, bourbon is added for a smoky taste; always drink responsibly and only if you’re over 21.
- To make the cocktail: mix unsweetened tea, lemonade, and bourbon over ice, and garnish with lemon slices.
- For sweeter drinks, use sweet tea; you can also shake the ingredients for faster chilling.
- The cocktail is perfect for occasions like poolside gatherings and tailgates.
The classic drink is a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy anytime. For this adult take on the drink, a splash of bourbon is added to the mix. The combination of the sweet tea and tart lemonade with the smoky, oaky notes of bourbon makes for an adult beverage that is sure to please.
No matter how you decide to enjoy your Arnold Palmer drink, it’s sure to be a hit! Whether you’re enjoying it poolside, tailgating at a game, or spending time with friends and family, this adult beverage is the perfect way to get your day started. So grab yourself a glass and get ready for a delicious Arnold Palmer drink.
Always drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive or operate heavy machinery. If you are under the age of 21, enjoy the classic version without any alcohol.
This is the REAL Arnold Palmer cocktail with a refreshing hint of lemonade and tea, with a slight bite from the bourbon whiskey.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces unsweetened tea
- 4 ounces lemonade
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- Lemon slices
- Ice

Directions

Fill a tall glass halfway with ice.

Pour lemonade over ice.

Add bourbon.

Add tea.

Garnish with lemon wedges.
Tips
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, you’ll want to use sweet tea instead.
- You can shake all of the ingredients in a shaker before pouring into your glass. This gets it really cold really fast.
- You can always combine the ingredients in a separate glass and then pour it over ice if desired.

Arnold Palmer Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Fill cup about halfway with ice.
- Pour lemonade, whiskey, and tea over ice.
- Stir. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, you’ll want to use sweet tea instead.
- You can shake all of the ingredients in a shaker before pouring into your glass. This gets it really cold really fast.
- You can always combine the ingredients in a separate glass and then pour it over ice if desired.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Last Bite
Whether you’re relaxing on the porch, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat, a Classic Arnold Palmer is always a welcome choice. The combination of iced tea and lemonade is simple, timeless, and easy to customize to your taste. Give it a try, then leave a comment and let me know – do you prefer more tea or more lemonade in your Arnold Palmer?
