Homemade Spiked Arnold Palmer Cocktail Recipe

I enjoy taking classic drinks and putting my own twist on them, and my Homemade Spiked Arnold Palmer Cocktail is no exception. This refreshing beverage is made with 4 cups of brewed black tea combined with 2 cups of lemonade—a perfect mix of flavors.

I like to use 1 cup of vodka in mine for a little extra kick, but you could easily leave it out or substitute it with a lighter spirit. I also add a tablespoon of simple syrup, but you could sweeten it to your taste.

It’s a drink that’s delicious way to spend a sunny afternoon. Add a garnish of lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a little bit of elegance.

Serve over ice and enjoy.

Ingredients

Brewed Black Tea:
High in antioxidants, it’s an ideal blend of bitter and refreshing.

Tea gives you a shot of caffeine.

Lemonade:
With its sharp, sweet balance, lemonade offers something much better than sunshine in a glass.

It delivers not just a pleasant taste but also a good dose of vitamin C and some water to rehydrate you.

Vodka:
Imparts a soft warmth, without being too aggressive, and contributes a silky, almost boozy, quality to the drink.

Simple Syrup:
Easily dissolves, imparting sweetness that harmonizes with tangy flavors; adjust to taste for the level of desired sweetness.

Lemon Slices:
They are a natural garnish; they intensify citrus aroma and deepen the cocktail’s zestiness.

Fresh Mint Leaves:
Offers a cologne-like, but not overpowering, intoxicating scent that emphasizes the drink’s beauty and visual allure.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups of brewed black tea
• 2 cups of lemonade
• 1 cup of vodka
• 1 tablespoon of simple syrup (optional, to taste)
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Brew 4 cups of strong black tea and allow it to cool to room temperature. If you want to speed things up, you can stick it in the fridge.

2. When the tea is cooled, pour it into a large pitcher.

3. In a pitcher with the tea, mix in 2 cups of lemonade and stir gently to mix.

4. Take 1 cup of vodka and add it to the tea and lemonade mixture. Stir once more to guarantee that all elements are well blended.

5. Sample the mixture and if you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup. Mix again to ensure the syrup is fully incorporated.

6. Individual serving glasses should be filled with ice cubes.

7. When serving the Spiked Arnold Palmer cocktail, use ice-filled glasses and pour the drink, leaving room at the top for garnishing.

8. Each glass should be decorated with a slice of lemon, which can either float inside the glass or rim it.

9. Here are some new phrases to replace part of the original sentence while maintaining the overall structure:

Put several freshly picked mint leaves into every glass to create a pleasing perfume that adds another sensory dimension to this delightful drink.

10. Enjoy your delightfully cool Arnold Palmer Cocktail made with vodka, right now, because the beauty of this drink is that it is best served immediately. Time is not your friend when it comes to the Homemade Spiked Arnold Palmer.

Equipment Needed

1. Kettle or pot (to brew tea)
2. Pitcher
3. Spoon (for stirring)
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoon (for simple syrup)
6. Knife (to slice lemon)
7. Cutting board (for preparing lemon slices)
8. Glasses for serving
9. Ice cube tray (or access to ice cubes)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of tea?Certainly, green tea or herbal tea can be used for a different flavor profile.
• What type of lemonade is best?Lemonade that comes straight from the lemon is superb, but lemonade that comes from a carton is just okay.
• Is there a non-alcoholic version?Yes, just leave out the vodka for a classic Arnold Palmer.
• How do I make simple syrup?Mix equal amounts of sugar and water, heat the combination until the sugar has dissolved, and then let cool.
• Can I prepare this cocktail in advance?Indeed, combine the components without ice and cool them, putting in the ice only at the moment of serving.
• How can I adjust the sweetness?Adjust the quantity of simple syrup to increase or decrease the sweetness to your liking.
• What is a good substitute for vodka?You can use rum or gin instead of vodka.

Substitutions and Variations

Brewed green tea can be substituted for brewed black tea when a lighter flavor is desired.
Limeade can be substituted for lemonade to impart a sharp twist.
You can use gin instead of vodka if you want a more botanical note.
Honey or agave syrup can be used in place of simple syrup to add a natural sweetness.
Lime slices can be used instead of lemon slices to make a really refreshing change.