Bourbon Arnold Palmer Cocktail
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This Bourbon Arnold Palmer Cocktail is made with brewed tea, lemon simple syrup, and bourbon to create a drink that’s as easy to make as it is to love. It’s a great make-ahead option for casual get-togethers, weekend brunches, or just a quiet evening outside. Serve it over ice with a slice of lemon and a bit of mint for a drink that feels both classic and fresh.
Over the years, bourbon has become my go-to when I’m in the mood for a cocktail. (Though honestly, I don’t reach for one all that often these days.) While I have plenty of bourbon-based recipes perfect for the colder months, I realized I was missing something more suited to warmer weather. I’ve previously shared a Sweet Tea Mint Juleps here on Inspired by Charm, and that got me thinking, “What if I gave the classic Arnold Palmer (you know, half lemonade and half iced tea) a bourbon twist?” That’s exactly what I did, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely delicious.
With freshly brewed tea and a bright, citrusy lemon simple syrup made from real lemons, this cocktail is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something special. It’s flavorful, refreshing, and just different enough to feel a little fancy without any fuss.
Another thing I love is that if you prep the iced tea and lemon syrup ahead of time (which is super easy), the cocktail comes together in just minutes. Simply add the ingredients to a pitcher, stir, and you’re ready to pour.
Refreshing, classic, and a little unexpected, this Bourbon Arnold Palmer is just the thing for your next gathering or a quiet weekend on the porch. I have a feeling you’re going to love it.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
- It’s a fresh twist on a classic. The Arnold Palmer is already a favorite for many, but adding bourbon takes it to a whole new level. It’s familiar and comforting, yet just bold enough to feel like something special.
- With just-brewed black tea, a homemade lemon syrup, and your favorite bourbon, you’re creating something that feels much more involved than it actually is. Each element brings its own charm, but together they’re perfectly balanced.
- You can prep the tea and lemon syrup in advance so that when it’s time to serve, you just stir everything together in a pitcher. There’s no need to fuss with individual cocktails or complicated techniques. It’s ideal for entertaining or simply treating yourself without a lot of effort.
- While bourbon is often associated with colder months, this cocktail proves it’s just as at home in the sunshine. It’s light, crisp, and incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect choice for summer parties, picnics, or lazy weekend afternoons.
Looking for more bourbon cocktail recipes? You’ve got it! Check out this collection of some of my best bourbon cocktail recipes here on Inspired by Charm.
Ingredients
One of the reasons I love this cocktail is that it only requires a few ingredients. Let’s gather up everything we will need:
- Black tea – Freshly brewed and chilled, black tea adds depth and subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the syrup and richness of the bourbon. Lately, I’ve been reaching for PG Tips.
- Lemon simple syrup – Made with lemon zest, juice, and sugar, this syrup brings bright citrus flavor and a hint of sweetness that ties the whole drink together.
- Bourbon – A good quality bourbon gives the cocktail its signature warmth and complexity, adding smooth, oaky notes to every sip. (Learn about some of my go-to bourbons.)
- Fresh lemon slices – These are perfect for garnish and add an extra pop of citrus aroma and flavor right at the top of the glass.
- Fresh mint leaves – Mint adds a refreshing and aromatic touch that enhances the drink’s summer vibe and brings everything to life visually.
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How To Make
Who’s ready for a refreshing cocktail? It’s time to make Bourbon Arnold Palmers! I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Start by preparing the lemon syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup of water. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture just reaches a boil.
- Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Once cooled, strain out the zest and stir in the lemon juice. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until well chilled. The syrup can be made in advance and stored for up to two weeks.
- To assemble the cocktail, pour the chilled lemon syrup, bourbon, and tea into a large pitcher. Stir to combine. If you’re not serving it immediately, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 24 hours.
- Serve over ice in individual glasses. Garnish each drink with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint.
And that’s all there is to it. Simple, refreshing, and full of charm. These Bourbon Arnold Palmers are like a little sip of summer in a glass—bright, cool, and easy to enjoy. If you’re on the hunt for a new warm-weather cocktail that’s just as easy to make as it is to love, this one might become your new favorite.
More Bourbon Cocktails You’ll Love
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- Bourbon and Sage Cocktail
- Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- Frozen Old Fashioned Slush
- Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned
Whether you’re already a bourbon fan or just looking for something new to sip this season, this cocktail is a great one to try. It’s crisp and citrusy but still smooth and mellow from the bourbon.
I hope this drink brings a little extra charm to your warm weather moments. Give it a try and feel free to tweak it to your tastes. Once you make it, I’d love to know what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Bourbon Arnold Palmer Cocktail
Ingredients
Lemon Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- Zest of 4 lemons peeled into strips
- 1½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Cocktail:
- 2 cups Lemon Simple Syrup see above, chilled
- 16 ounces bourbon chilled
- 16 ounces strong black tea chilled
- Sliced lemon and fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the lemon syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup of water. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture just reaches a boil.
- Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Once cooled, strain out the zest and stir in the lemon juice. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until well chilled. The syrup can be made in advance and stored for up to two weeks.
- To assemble the cocktail, pour the chilled lemon syrup, bourbon, and tea into a large pitcher. Stir to combine. If you’re not serving it immediately, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 24 hours.
- Serve over ice in individual glasses. Garnish each drink with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint.
Made a pitcher of these for a dinner party of ten. Seemed like a perfect cocktail for late summer and it did not disappoint. The guys particularly enjoyed them. I used a little more tea as I found the lemon a little overpowering. I also used Angel Envy’s bourbon. Quite delicious!