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Refreshing Spiked Arnold Palmer Pitcher Recipe Easy Summer Sipping Guide

spiked Arnold Palmer pitcher - featured image

A simple and refreshing summer pitcher combining brewed black tea, fresh lemonade, and bourbon whiskey for a balanced, crowd-pleasing cocktail perfect for hot days and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) brewed black tea, cooled (Assam or Earl Grey recommended)
  • 4 cups (950 ml) fresh lemonade (homemade or store-bought without excessive sugars)
  • 1 ยฝ cups (360 ml) bourbon whiskey (Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or simple syrup (optional, for sweetness adjustment)
  • Fresh lemon slices for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Brew 4 cups (950 ml) of strong black tea using 4-5 tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose-leaf tea. Steep in hot water (around 200ยฐF / 93ยฐC) for 5-7 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain leaves and let cool to room temperature (20-30 minutes).
  2. If making fresh lemonade, combine 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 cup (200 g) sugar or honey, and 3 cups (710 ml) cold water. Stir until sweetener dissolves and chill.
  3. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea and lemonade. Stir gently to blend.
  4. Add 1 ยฝ cups (360 ml) bourbon whiskey to the pitcher and stir gently.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or simple syrup if desired. Stir until incorporated.
  6. Add plenty of ice cubes and several thin lemon slices to the pitcher. Optionally add fresh mint sprigs for garnish.
  7. Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnished with lemon wheels or mint sprigs.

Notes

Use strong brewed tea for best flavor. Adjust sweetness based on lemonade tartness. Chill all ingredients before mixing to keep the drink refreshing. Large ice cubes melt slower to avoid dilution. For a vegan version, use simple syrup instead of honey. Make the tea and lemonade base ahead and add bourbon and ice just before serving for best freshness.

Nutrition

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