buffalo trace arnold palmer bourbon
Cocktail Recipes

Cool Down with This Easy Bourbon Arnold Palmer Recipe

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There’s something timeless about an Arnold Palmer. Just tea and lemonade — simple, balanced, endlessly refreshing. But what if you’re looking for something with a little more character? Something that still quenches your thirst on a hot afternoon, but also lets you sip and savor?

That’s where bourbon steps in.

The Bourbon Arnold Palmer is what happens when a summer classic grows up. It’s easy to make, impossible to mess up, and just refined enough to impress the neighbor who always thinks his cocktails are better. Whether you’re sitting on the back porch or batching a pitcher for your next cookout, this drink deserves a spot in your warm-weather rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Drink

  • Only takes a minute to make
  • Great use for leftover iced tea
  • Smooth, sweet, and subtly complex
  • Perfectly balances the citrus from lemonade with the warmth of bourbon
  • Easy to customize to your taste (and what’s in your fridge)
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Easy Bourbon Arnold Palmer Recipe

This Bourbon Arnold Palmer blends sweet tea, lemonade, and a generous pour of bourbon for the ultimate summer cocktail. Refreshing, simple, and boozy — it’s your new go-to for warm weather sipping.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword alcoholic drink, arnold palmer, summer drink
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 person
Calories 160kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3 oz black iced tea unsweetened or sweetened, your call
  • 3 oz fresh lemonade
  • 1 handful ice
  • 1 lemon wedge optional
  • 1 fresh mint sprig optional
  • 1/2 oz honey or simple syrup optional

Instructions

  • Fill a tall glass with ice.
  • Pour in 2 oz bourbon.
  • Add the black iced tea and lemonade.
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it with sweet tea for a deeper Southern vibe.
  • Try a flavored lemonade like peach or raspberry for a fun twist.
  • Batch it for parties: Mix equal parts bourbon, tea, and lemonade in a pitcher and keep it chilled.
  • Want a little sparkle? Top it with a splash of club soda.

Best Bourbons for This Cocktail

You don’t need your top-shelf stuff here, but you do want something smooth and approachable:

  • Buffalo Trace – mellow and slightly sweet
  • Elijah Craig Small Batch – some spice, great balance
  • Four Roses Yellow Label – light and floral, plays nice with citrus

Honestly, whatever you’ve got open will probably work. This drink isn’t picky.

The Bourbon Arnold Palmer is easygoing — just like summer should be. It doesn’t ask much of you: a little tea, a little lemonade, a generous splash of bourbon, and a few quiet minutes to enjoy it. Whether you’re grilling, relaxing, or trying to survive Virginia humidity, this one gets the job done.

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