John Daly Drink Recipe (Spiked Arnold Palmer Cocktail)

I have been drinking this John Daly Drink for as long as I can remember! Growing up, I loved a classic Arnold Palmer drink, which is half lemonade and half iced tea. This John Daly cocktail is an adult (aka alcoholic) version of the Arnold Palmer. My recipe combines homemade lemonade, freshly brewed tea, and smooth vodka for the ultimate summer cocktail. You’ll sip on this drink all summer long—it’s the perfect beverage for the golf course or watching the tour at home!

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The John Daly or a Dirty Arnold Palmer, is a refreshing alcoholic version of an Arnold Palmer cocktail. It’s the perfect summer cocktail for when you want something light and refreshing. Combining iced tea and fresh lemonade is one of my favorite drink recipes to enjoy during the summer.

We are huge golf fans in our home, and we love paying homage to the great American golfer John Daly (and Arnold Palmer) by sipping on this drink!  This is the perfect beverage for enjoying in your back yard on a hot summer day.

The bitter black tea and the sweet lemon juice strike the perfect balance. If you’re a fan of lemony recipes, try my Lemon Ricotta Cake, Lemon Pesto, Limoncello Martini, Limoncello Spritz, or Lemon Blueberry Cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s nostalgic. There are few things more classic than that deliciously refreshing Arnold Palmer taste! It’s a traditional drink everyone knows and loves, spiked with vodka!
• It’s the perfect midday drink. This spiked Arnold Palmer is light perfect for day drinking.
• It’s homemade from scratch. My recipe is completely homemade – from the lemonade to the freshly brewed iced tea. It’s a refreshing drink that your guests will love – especially when they know that you made it from scratch!

Ingredients

• Water – Water forms the base of both the iced tea and lemonade, providing hydration and balance.  Use filtered water for the best taste, as it removes impurities that can affect the overall flavor of your John Daly drink!
• Black Tea Bags –  Black tea adds robust flavor and color to the iced tea base. It complements the tartness of the lemonade and the alcohol. Look for high-quality tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Steep the tea bags for the recommended time to avoid bitterness!
• Granulated Sugar. –  Sugar sweetens the lemonade and balances the acidity from the lemons.  For a smoother texture, dissolve sugar in warm water before adding it to the lemon juice mixture. You can adjust sweetness to your preference.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice –  Lemon juice provides the bright, citrusy flavor that defines an Arnold Palmer. Choose ripe, heavy lemons for juicing. Rolling them on a counter before juicing helps release more juice. Strain the juice for a smoother consistency.
• Vodka – Vodka has a nice clean flavor while still providing an alcoholic kick! Use a quality vodka that is smooth and not overly harsh. Adjust the amount to suit your preference for alcohol content.
• Lemon Slice / Lemon Wheel –  Lemon slices add some brightness and color to the John Daly cocktail.  Slice thinly and remove the seeds before adding to the drink.
• Sprigs of Mint – Fresh mint leaves give the drink a subtle minty flavor and a vibrant pop of freshness. Gently slap the mint leaves before garnishing to release their aromatic oils. 

Substitutions

• Flavored Vodka – This would be perfect with lemon-infused or sweet tea vodka! 
• Make it Sweeter – If you want a sweeter drink, you could add some simple syrup! You could also make sweet tea instead of plain black tea. 

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: First, we must brew the tea! Boil 2 cups of water, then remove the pot from the heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Add the 1 ½ cups of cold water to the lemon and sugar mixture.

Step 4: Stir the lemon juice, sugar, and water well until combined.

Step 5: Add your cooled black tea to the large pitcher with the homemade lemonade. 
Then, add the vodka.  Start with ½ cup and adjust according to your taste.

Step 6: Chill your batch cocktail in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint.

Tips and Notes

• Balance the Sweetness – Taste your lemonade mixture before combining it with the tea. You can adjust the amount of sugar or lemon juice to fit your own preference!
• Steeping Tea Bags –  When you steep the black tea bags, follow the recommended time closely to avoid bitterness. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, steep for a slightly longer duration rather than using more tea bags.
• Chilling Time – Allow the combined Arnold Palmer mixture to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a refreshing, cold beverage.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy at a Barbecue – These drinks pair really well with burgers, hot dogs, and pasta salad! I love serving this drink as a big batch in a drink dispenser with garnishes so my guests can serve themselves while I’m flipping burgers on the grill!
• Serve with Small Bites – Finger sandwiches, prosciutto-wrapped melon, bruschetta, fried goat cheese balls, Sicilian arancini, and other light bites pair well with this boozy summer drink! 

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!