Dirty Arnold Palmer Cocktail Recipe

Introduction

The Dirty Arnold Palmer is a refreshing twist on the classic summer drink, combining vodka with strong iced tea and fresh lemonade. This cocktail is delightfully balanced, easy to make, and perfect for cooling off on a warm day.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka (use a decent plain vodka)
• 3 oz strong black iced tea, chilled
• 3 oz fresh lemonade, chilled
• Ice cubes, lots of them
• 1 lemon wheel or wedge for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish (optional)
• Simple syrup 1/4 oz (optional if your lemonade isn’t sweet enough)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a tall glass or shaker with plenty of ice cubes to keep the drink cold and properly diluted.
2. Step 2: Pour 1.5 oz of vodka over the ice. Choose a decent plain vodka for smoothness.
3. Step 3: Add 3 oz of strong black iced tea, chilled, to maintain a bold flavor.
4. Step 4: Pour in 3 oz of fresh lemonade, chilled, and watch the colors swirl together.
5. Step 5: Taste the mixture; if the lemonade isn’t sweet enough, add about 1/4 oz of simple syrup and stir well.
6. Step 6: Stir the drink vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds in the glass, or shake briefly in a shaker for a colder, slightly frothy finish.
7. Step 7: If using a shaker, strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice to avoid dilution. If mixed in the glass, leave as is.
8. Step 8: Garnish with a lemon wheel or wedge on the rim and drop in a fresh mint sprig for extra aroma, if desired.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy this simple, refreshing, and dangerously easy-to-drink cocktail.

Tips & Variations

• Use strong black tea to ensure the flavor stands out against the vodka and lemonade.
• If you prefer a sweeter drink, adjust sweetness with simple syrup slowly to avoid overpowering the balance.
• Try swapping vodka for gin for a different botanical twist on this classic blend.
• For a kid-friendly version, omit the vodka and enjoy iced tea and lemonade over ice with a splash of sparkling water.
• Freshly squeezed lemonade makes a big difference—homemade is best for bright, fresh flavor.

Storage

This cocktail is best served fresh and cold. If you need to prepare in advance, store the mixed tea and lemonade components separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add vodka and ice just before serving to maintain the right flavor and chill.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flavored vodka for this cocktail?

Yes, but be mindful of the flavor profile. A plain vodka keeps the drink balanced, while flavored vodkas might change the character of the cocktail.

What type of tea is best for a Dirty Arnold Palmer?

Strong black iced tea is ideal because it provides a bold, tannic base that holds up well against the lemonade and vodka, preventing the drink from tasting weak.

Dirty Arnold Palmer Cocktail Recipe

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4.9 from 86 reviews

This Dirty Arnold Palmer Cocktail is a refreshing and invigorating mixed drink combining the smoothness of vodka with the classic combination of iced tea and lemonade. Perfect for hot days, it balances tangy lemonade, robust black iced tea, and spirit for an easy-to-drink, revitalizing beverage with optional sweetness adjustment.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Cocktail
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquids and Mixers

• 1.5 oz decent plain vodka
• 3 oz strong black iced tea, chilled
• 3 oz fresh lemonade, chilled
• 1/4 oz simple syrup (optional, if lemonade isn’t sweet enough)

Garnishes

• 1 lemon wheel or wedge for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish (optional)

Others

• Ice cubes, lots of them

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass or Shaker: Fill a tall glass or cocktail shaker with lots of ice cubes to keep the drink cold and properly diluted throughout mixing and serving.
2. Add Vodka: Pour 1.5 oz of decent quality plain vodka over the ice. Using a good vodka ensures a smooth finish without harsh alcohol taste.
3. Add Iced Tea: Pour in 3 oz of strong black iced tea, chilled. The strength of the tea keeps the flavor pronounced despite dilution and mixing.
4. Add Lemonade: Add 3 oz of fresh lemonade, chilled. Watch for the beautiful color swirl as it blends with the iced tea and vodka.
5. Sweeten if Necessary: Taste the mixture and if the lemonade isn’t sweet enough, add about 1/4 oz simple syrup. Stir gently to combine the sweetness evenly.
6. Mix the Drink: Stir the mixture inside the glass for 10 to 15 seconds to chill and blend flavors well. Alternatively, shake briefly in the shaker for a colder, slightly frothy finish.
7. Strain if Shaken: If the drink was shaken, strain it into a fresh glass filled with ice to avoid watering down the cocktail. If stirred in the glass, leave it as is.
8. Garnish: Top with a lemon wheel or wedge on the rim and add a fresh mint sprig if desired, enhancing the aroma and presentation.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, perfect for a hot day. Sip and adjust ingredients next time for a more tannic (more tea), tangy (more lemonade), or sweeter (more syrup) drink according to preference.

Notes

• Use a decent quality vodka for best smoothness and flavor.
• Strong black iced tea is essential to maintain flavor balance and avoid a diluted taste.
• Adjust sweetness with simple syrup only if your lemonade is not already sweet enough.
• Shaking gives a colder, slightly frothy texture compared to stirring.
• The cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and cold.
• Customize the ratio to your taste by adding more tea, lemonade, or syrup as preferred.

Keywords: Dirty Arnold Palmer, cocktail, vodka drink, iced tea cocktail, lemonade cocktail, refreshing summer drink, easy cocktail