John Daly Cocktail

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The John Daly Cocktail is a perfect drink for summer…it’s an Arnold Palmer with an adult kick! A delicious combination of homemade lemonade, fresh-brewed sweet tea, and your favorite vodka, the John Daly Cocktail is light and refreshing

This post and recipe card were updated June 6, 2019

One of the first things I learned when I moved to Oklahoma is that sweet tea is basically its own religion in the South. People are very particular about their tea…it has to be brewed, and they’ll quickly tell you if it’s not. They’re also team sweet or team unsweet, and there’s no in between.

When I first heard about the Arnold Palmer I was super confused, because the only Arnold Palmer I knew was the golfer. Then I learned it’s a drink, a combination of iced tea and lemonade. I still didn’t get the appeal until I tried it. The Arnold Palmer is light and refreshing, and fabulous.

I decided to take it up a notch and make a Boozy Arnold Palmer. I just knew I had a hit and that nobody else had come up with the idea. Not only was I wrong, it already has its own name! But I didn’t let that stop me from sharing the John Daly Cocktail 

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

• You use fresh-brewed tea and fresh lemonade
• You can adjust the amounts to your preference
• It’s a perfect, refreshing summer cocktail

You can make a John Daly cocktail in about one minute! Yes, it takes time to brew the tea and make the lemonade, but it’s worth it. Both are so simple to make, and brewed tea and fresh lemonade make a big difference in taste.

MAKING YOUR OWN ICED TEA AND LEMONADE

LEMONADE

• Use fresh lemons, and make the lemonade one day ahead
• For 4 cups of lemonade, I use 2-3 lemons, depending on the size of the lemons
• Add the lemons to a glass decanter, fill with water and rest for at least 4 hours, up to overnight. The longer it rests, the more flavor you get
• I do not sweeten the lemonade when I’m using it strictly as an Arnold Palmer or John Daly Cocktail, but of course it’s personal preference

ICED TEA

• Make the iced tea one hour ahead
• You can use Tea Bags or Iced Tea Bags. I’ve used both, and use them interchangeably
• Make sure to use a heat-proof container! Don’t be like me, when the glass pitcher shattered in my hands…
• Three easy steps to fresh-brewed tea
  • Steep the tea bags in boiling water for about 5 minutes
  • Add cold water or ice cubes
  • Chill in the fridge for one hour
• I sweeten the iced tea with Demerera Sugar because that’s what I use in my coffee and I really like it. Of course, you can use regular White Sugar.

JUST ONE STEP FROM AN ARNOLD PALMER TO A JOHN DALY COCKTAIL

Vodka is what turns an Arnold Palmer into a John Daly Cocktail. My favorite brands are Tito’s and Grey Goose, but of course you can use your favorite

I don’t recommend a flavored vodka, because it will alter the flavor of the cocktail.

I garnish my John Daly Cocktail with mint because it adds a wonderful fresh bite to the drink.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use pre-prepared lemonade and/or iced tea? Yes, but I prefer the flavor of fresh-made.

What if I don’t like the proportions you recommend? The great thing with this drink is it’s SO easy to customize! Want it stronger? Add more vodka. Want more lemonade? Add more lemonade. I recommend experimenting with different proportions and figure out what you like best.

How much sugar should I use for the iced tea? That is personal preference. I use 2 Tablespoons for a 1 Liter bottle

What’s the best way to serve for entertaining? I like to keep the iced tea and lemonade separate, so my guests can make it to their preference.

MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES

• Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
• Apple Cinnamon Rum Punch
• Spicy Austin Mule with Jalapeno and Mint

WHAT GOES BEST WITH THE JOHN DALY COCKTAIL?

• Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops
• Broccoli Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Funfetti Macaroni Salad
• Grilled Vegetable Fajitas

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John Daly Cocktail

Yield: 8 drinks

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

The John Daly Cocktail is a perfect drink for summer…it’s an Arnold Palmer with an adult kick! A delicious combination of homemade lemonade home-brewed sweet tea and your favorite vodka, the John Daly Cocktail is light and refreshing

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Ingredients

• 2 unsweetened iced tea bags
• 2-3 large lemons
• vodka (I use Tito's or Grey Goose)
• cold water
• sugar, to taste (I use 2 Tablespoons)
• fresh mint, for garnish

Instructions

1. Slice lemons into 1/4" slices and add to a 1 liter glass decanter. Fill with water, and let rest overnight in the fridge
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Pour water into a heat-proof pitcher, add tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add sugar, to taste. Pour in 4 cups cold water to dilute iced tea. Stir well, and chill in fridge for one hour
3. TO MAKE ONE DRINK: Add ice cubs in a tall glass. Pour 4 ounces of iced tea; 2 ounces of lemonade, and 1 ounce of vodka. Stir, and garnish with a lemon slice and mint

Notes

I do not sweeten the lemonade, but you can do so if you choose

You can use Tea Bags or Iced Tea Bags. I’ve used both, and use them interchangeably

I don’t recommend a flavored vodka, because it will alter the flavor of the cocktail

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use pre-prepared lemonade and/or iced tea? Yes, but I prefer the flavor of fresh-made, and they're so easy to make

What proportions of tea and lemonade should I use? It’s up to you! I prefer more tea because I like the punch of flavor. But you could certainly go equal parts. 

How much sugar should I use for the iced tea? That is personal preference. I use 2 Tablespoons for a 1 Liter bottle

What’s the best way to serve for entertaining? I like to keep the iced tea and lemonade separate, so my guests can make it to their preference.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Lipton Iced Tea Family Size Tea Bags - 24 CT
• Florida Crystals Demerara Sugar 44 oz (Pack Of 2)
• Glass Carafe Pitcher with White Silicone Lid - 1 Litre - 33.8 oz - 4 1/8" x 11" Beverage Pitcher For Wine - Water - Juice - Milk - (2)

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 12oz
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 27Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g

Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients, etc