Ina Garten’s Zesty Bourbon Arnold Palmers Recipe for Summer

Bourbon Arnold Palmers blend Southern charm with sophisticated cocktail culture, offering a spirited twist on a classic summer drink.

Crisp tea mingles seamlessly with bright citrus notes, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Sweet and tangy elements dance together, transforming an ordinary beverage into an extraordinary experience.

Ice-cold and expertly balanced, this cocktail whispers of lazy afternoons and elegant gatherings.

Rich bourbon adds depth and warmth, elevating the traditional Arnold Palmer to new heights of complexity.

Refreshing yet robust, the drink captures a perfect moment of relaxation and indulgence.

Each sip promises a delectable journey through carefully crafted layers of taste: come savor the magic.

Bourbon Arnold Palmer Variations Worth Trying

• Peach Bourbon Splash: Infuse the tea with fresh peach slices during steeping, then muddle additional peaches into the mixture for a fruity Southern-style upgrade.
• Mint Julep Palmer: Add fresh mint leaves during brewing and garnish with a mint sprig, creating a refreshing Kentucky-inspired cocktail version with herbal undertones.
• Smoky Maple Blend: Replace simple syrup with maple syrup and add a dash of smoky whiskey or mezcal for a rich, complex flavor profile that enhances the bourbon's warmth.
• Lavender Bourbon Refresh: Steep lavender buds with the tea and include a small amount of lavender simple syrup for an elegant, floral transformation of the classic Arnold Palmer.

Cheers to the Bourbon Arnold Palmer Recap

Bourbon Arnold Palmers embody Ina Garten’s signature sophistication, blending classic Southern charm with spirited mixology.

Classic tea and citrus dance harmoniously with Kentucky bourbon’s rich warmth.

Summer afternoon refreshment reaches new levels of elegance through this sophisticated cocktail.

Family gatherings or relaxed patio moments become memorable with these glistening glasses.

Smooth bourbon elevates traditional Arnold Palmer ingredients into an unexpected adult pleasure.

Craft this cocktail, share with friends, spread joy through delicious libations, and let social media followers experience your mixology magic.

Why You’ll Love Bourbon Arnold Palmers at First Sip

• Craft a Cocktail Twist: Ina Garten transforms the classic Arnold Palmer into an adult beverage by adding bourbon, creating a sophisticated and refreshing drink that elevates the traditional summer cooler.
• Effortless Mixology Magic: This recipe requires minimal preparation and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home bartenders who want to impress guests with a simple yet elegant cocktail that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of tangy lemon juice, sweet simple syrup, robust black tea, and smooth bourbon creates a harmonious blend that offers a complex taste experience – simultaneously refreshing, boozy, and perfectly balanced for warm weather sipping.

Everything You Need for Bourbon Arnold Palmers

• Black Tea: Classic tea for deep, robust flavor with a smooth finish; choose high-quality black tea bags for best results.
• Water: Essential for brewing tea and diluting the cocktail; filtered water provides cleaner taste.

• Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup: Bright citrus flavor balanced with sweet notes; fresh lemon juice recommended for maximum zest.

• Bourbon: Signature spirit adding warmth and complexity; select smooth, medium-bodied bourbon for balanced taste.

• Ice, Lemon Slices: Chills drink and provides fresh garnish; use large ice cubes for slower melting and fresh lemon slices for vibrant presentation.

How to Mix This Southern Classic

Step 1: Brew Robust Tea

Select high-quality black tea bags and place them in a large glass measuring cup. Pour boiling water over the bags and let them steep for 10 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Remove and discard the tea bags, allowing the brewed tea to cool naturally.

Step 2: Create Flavor Fusion

• Fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Homemade simple syrup
• Smooth bourbon whiskey
• Cool filtered water

Gently stir the mixture until all components are perfectly combined.

Step 3: Chill and Relax

Transfer the pitcher to the refrigerator and let the beverage cool completely. Allow the flavors to mingle and develop for maximum taste intensity.

Step 4: Serve With Flair

Select elegant glasses and fill them halfway with crisp ice cubes. Carefully pour the chilled Arnold Palmer bourbon cocktail over the ice. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with bright lemon slice rounds. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing southern-inspired drink.

Pro Tip: For an extra smooth experience, use filtered water and freshly squeezed citrus for the most vibrant flavor profile.

Tips to Keep Your Arnold Palmer Balanced

• Squeeze Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed lemon juice transforms the cocktail's brightness, delivering a zesty punch that bottled versions can't match.
• Perfectly Brew Tea: Steep tea and allow it to cool completely before mixing, ensuring your Arnold Palmer maintains a crisp, clean flavor without watered-down ice.
• Balance Bourbon Sweetness: Experiment with bourbon and simple syrup ratios to create your ideal flavor profile, starting with recommended measurements and adjusting to personal taste.
• Select Premium Spirits: Invest in a high-quality bourbon like Maker's Mark, which adds depth and complexity to the classic cocktail's overall character.
• Elevate Presentation: Garnish with fresh lemon slices to introduce visual appeal and an extra citrus aroma that enhances the drinking experience.

Storing Bourbon Arnold Palmers Without Losing Kick

• Refrigeration Method: Seal the cocktail in a glass bottle with an airtight lid, preserving its crisp flavor and preventing any potential flavor absorption from surrounding foods. Chill immediately after preparation to maintain optimal taste integrity.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Keep bourbon and iced tea components separate if planning longer storage. Store bourbon in a cool, dark liquor cabinet and fresh tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator, allowing flexible mixing when ready to serve.
• Temperature Control Technique: Maintain consistent cold storage between 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent flavor degradation. Transfer drink to the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, avoiding temperature fluctuations near the door that can compromise the beverage's quality.

Ina Garten Bourbon Arnold Palmers Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Bourbon Arnold Palmers blend refreshing lemonade and sweet tea with a sophisticated bourbon kick. Cool summer afternoons find perfect harmony in this elegant cocktail that promises relaxation and Southern charm for cocktail enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) good bourbon (such as Maker’s Mark)
• 2 cups (475 ml) boiling water
• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (100 g) simple syrup

Garnish and Additional Flavoring:

• 2 tea bags (Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
• ½ lemon, halved through the stem and cut into ¼-inch (6 mm) thick half-rounds

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Instructions

1. Carefully submerge tea bags into a 2-cup () glass measuring container, then cascade boiling water over them. Allow the tea to infuse for precisely 10 minutes, extracting maximum flavor. Remove and discard the used tea bags.
2. Transfer the brewed tea into a spacious glass pitcher. Incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice, homemade simple syrup, smooth bourbon whiskey, and an additional of cool water. Gently stir the mixture until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator, allowing the beverage to cool and flavors to meld together. Let it rest for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour until completely chilled.
4. Prepare serving glasses by filling them halfway with crystal-clear ice cubes. Slowly pour the refreshing, chilled tea mixture over the ice, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Enhance the presentation by adorning each glass with delicate lemon slice garnishes. Serve immediately while the drink remains crisp and cool, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spirited notes.

Notes

• Elevate Cocktail with Premium Bourbon: Pick a high-quality bourbon like Maker’s Mark to transform the Arnold Palmer’s depth and complexity, ensuring a rich, smooth foundation for your drink.
• Maximize Citrus Freshness: Squeeze lemons moments before mixing to capture the brightest, most vibrant juice possible, delivering an authentic and zesty flavor profile.
• Balance Sweetness Strategically: Experiment with simple syrup quantities, starting conservatively and tasting gradually to achieve your perfect sweet-tart harmony.
• Optimize Tea Temperature: Allow brewed tea to cool completely before combining ingredients, preventing ice dilution and maintaining the cocktail’s intense flavor concentration.
• Enhance Visual Appeal: Garnish with fresh lemon slices to create an Instagram-worthy presentation that amplifies both aesthetic charm and citrusy aromatics.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cocktail (1/6 of the recipe)
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg