Food and Recipes Drinks Cocktails Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers 5.0 (1) 1 Review This spiked Arnold Palmer recipe is an ideal summer beverage to serve at brunches, porch parties, or BBQs. By Ivy Odom Ivy Odom Ivy is an Editorial Producer for Dotdash Meredith and hosts an array of lifestyle videos. She also authors a bi-monthly recipe column for Southern Living. Ivy has over four years of experience as on-camera talent across multiple platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, television, and other social channels, as well as extensive producing and editing experience for TikTok. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on October 21, 2024 Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more about the Southern Living Test Kitchen Save Rate PRINT Share Active Time: 10 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Yield: 13 cups Jump to recipe This spiked Arnold Palmer is an ideal summer beverage to serve at brunches, porch parties, or BBQs. To make this an alcohol-free cocktail, simply leave out the bourbon. A classic Arnold Palmer is a refreshing, non-alcoholic mixed drink that combines two great beverages: sweet tea and lemonade. The simple mocktail that bears this name was created by and for the golfing legend, Arnold Palmer. While the original recipe is simple, there are many ways to improve on it, and we couldn't resist tweaking an already good thing. As delicious and refreshing as the Arnold Palmer is, we "Southernized" it a bit with the addition of bourbon. To make this big-batch party cocktail, start by making a pitcher of unsweetened tea—yes, readers, leave out the sugar. Add four cups of bottled lemonade, the bourbon, and simple syrup. Stir together and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour over ice, and garnish with lemon wedges and mint sprigs. Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Ingredients for Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers A refreshing and flavorful option, these spiked Arnold Palmers are made with just five key ingredients, along with fresh mint as a garnish. To make big-batch spiked Arnold Palmers, you'll need: Unsweetened tea: An earthy, slightly bitter base for the drink to balance the sweetness of the lemonade and simple syrup.Bottled lemonade: Adds a sweet, tart, citrusy flavor to the drink.Bourbon: A Southern twist, bourbon adds a warm complexity to the drink with notes of caramel and vanilla.Simple syrup: Sweetens the drink for the ideal balance of tart and sweet.Thinly sliced lemons: An eye-catching addition to the drink, as well as adding a fresh, citrusy boost.Mint sprigs: For a refreshing, herbal note, and pop of color. Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel How To Make Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers Making a large batch of these cocktails couldn't be easier, and as an added benefit, they can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Combine liquids: Stir together tea, lemonade, bourbon, and simple syrup.Step 2. Add lemon slices: Add lemon slices; chill 2 to 24 hours.Step 3. Serve: Serve over ice; garnish with mint. Spiked Arnold Palmer Variations To add your own unique twist to this citrusy cocktail, consider these variations: Tea: Swap the unsweetened tea with sweet tea if preferred (just skip the additional simple syrup called for), or use green tea, hibiscus tea, Earl grey tea, or other favorites for a unique twist.Lemonade: Use homemade lemonade, pink lemonade, or limeade for a fun spin. You can also blend blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or cherries into the lemonade for a unique twist.Bourbon: Though we love the addition of bourbon, you can substitute with vodka, rum, gin, or tequila if needed.Simple syrup: Swap with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar as desired, to taste.Lemons: Swap the lemon slices with lime, orange, or grapefruit slices, or a combination of citrus fruits.Herbs: Swap the mint with basil, thyme, sage, or rosemary. You can also infuse the simple syrup with these herbs, or add lavender or elderflower for a flavorful addition.Sparkling: Add a splash of club soda for a bubbly version. Can I Prepare Spiked Arnold Palmers Ahead? The base for these spiked Arnold Palmers can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance. For longer storage, combine the iced tea, lemonade, and simple syrup, and store in a sealed container for up to five days. Add bourbon and lemon slices at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish and serve over ice. What To Serve With Spiked Arnold Palmers These spiked Arnold Palmers pair well with a variety of dishes. Serve at your next gathering with light appetizers, including cheese and charcuterie boards, fruit platters, crudité, bruschetta, and more. You can also serve them with tea sandwiches, chicken tenders, tacos, and other savory, party-friendly dishes. More Big-Batch Summer Cocktail Recipes You'll Love Beat the heat and elevate your summer gatherings with these big-batch cocktail recipes: Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea Watermelon Margaritas Party Punch Elderflower-Champagne Cocktail Big-Batch Cajun Lemonade Bourbon Bloody Marys Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 6 cups prepared unsweetened tea 4 cups bottled lemonade 2 1/4 cups (18 oz.) bourbon 2/3 cup simple syrup 3 medium lemons, thinly sliced (about 24 slices) 12 mint sprigs, for garnish Directions Combine liquids: Stir together tea, lemonade, bourbon, and simple syrup in a large bowl or pitcher. Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Add lemon slices: Add lemon slices; refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or up to 24. Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Serve: Serve over ice, and garnish with mint sprigs and lemon slices. Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Frequently Asked Questions Can I make a smaller batch of spiked Arnold Palmers? Yes—to make a smaller batch, simply divide the recipe by the number of servings needed. What's the best tea to use for Arnold Palmers? While we recommend unsweetened tea for these spiked Arnold Palmers, the type is up to you. Black tea is traditional, but other types of tea, including herbal and green tea, can be used for a unique flavor profile. Can I make non-alcoholic Arnold Palmers? Non-alcoholic Arnold Palmers can simply be made without the addition of bourbon. Rate It Print