The Arnold Palmer is half iced tea, half lemonade — one of the great American summer drinks. The spiked version adds whiskey. Here's how to make a non-alcoholic version that keeps the ritual without the alcohol.
What You Need
- 1.5 oz No. 86 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
- 3 oz strong brewed black tea, cooled (or cold brew tea)
- 3 oz fresh lemonade (1 oz lemon juice + 2 oz water + ½ oz simple syrup)
- Ice
- Tall glass
- Lemon wheel and mint sprig to garnish
How to Make It
- Brew your tea strong and let it cool — or use cold brew tea (steep tea bags in cold water for 8 hours in the fridge).
- Make fresh lemonade: combine lemon juice, water, and simple syrup.
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add No. 86. Pour tea and lemonade simultaneously over the ice — this creates the layered effect you see in a classic Arnold Palmer.
- Stir once gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint.
The Tea
Brew it strong — two tea bags per 8 oz of water. The tea has to hold its own against the lemonade and No. 86. A weak tea gets lost. Black tea is classic. Earl Grey adds a bergamot note that pairs unexpectedly well with No. 86's vanilla. Sweet tea (pre-sweetened Southern style) means you can skip the simple syrup in the lemonade.
Cold Brew Tea
Cold brew tea (steeped overnight in cold water) is smoother and less bitter than hot-brewed tea. If you have 8 hours, it's worth it. Add 4 tea bags to a pitcher of cold water, cover, and refrigerate overnight. No heat needed. The result is a cleaner, more refreshing tea that works exceptionally well in this drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called an Arnold Palmer?
Named after the golfer who was known for ordering iced tea and lemonade together at restaurants. A "John Daly" is the spiked version — vodka added. This recipe swaps vodka for No. 86, which makes a significantly better drink.
Can I use store-bought lemonade?
Yes. Newman's Own or Simply Lemonade work well. Avoid overly sweet lemonades — the tea and No. 86 need room to come through.
What tea works best?
Black tea is the classic. Earl Grey adds complexity. Green tea makes a lighter, more delicate drink. Avoid herbal teas — they tend to clash with the whiskey notes.
Summer in a glass.
No. 86, iced tea, and fresh lemonade — the ritual of the spiked Arnold Palmer, without the alcohol.
→ Shop No. 86 — from $35.99
Make this recipe with No. 86 non-alcoholic whiskey — built for cocktails like this one.