Dirty Arnold Palmer Cocktail Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Lemonade: Add 3 oz of fresh lemonade, chilled. Watch for the beautiful color swirl as it blends with the iced tea and vodka.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish: Top with a lemon wheel or wedge on the rim and add a fresh mint sprig if desired, enhancing the aroma and presentation.
- 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