Quick Answer
The number of calories in an Arnold Palmer spiked half and half can vary depending on the specific ingredients and sizes. An average 12 oz Arnold Palmer spiked half and half may contain around 200-250 calories.
Calculating Calories in an Arnold Palmer Spiked Half and Half
An Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic beverage made from equal parts iced tea and lemonade. A “spiked” Arnold Palmer contains alcohol, usually vodka. A “half and half” Arnold Palmer contains half iced tea and half lemonade.
To determine the calories in a spiked half and half Arnold Palmer, we need to look at the calorie counts of each ingredient:
Iced Tea
A 12 oz serving of brewed, unsweetened black iced tea contains:
- 0 calories
Since the Arnold Palmer contains half iced tea, there are 0 calories from the iced tea.
Lemonade
A 12 oz serving of lemonade can contain:
- 120-150 calories (if made with sugar)
- 50-80 calories (if made with artificial sweetener)
Let’s assume the lemonade is on the lower end, with 50 calories per 6 oz serving.
For a half and half Arnold Palmer, made with 6 oz lemonade, that’s 50 calories from the lemonade.
Vodka
A 1.5 oz serving (a typical shot) of 80 proof (40%) vodka contains:
- 96 calories
So a standard 1.5 oz shot of vodka in the spiked Arnold Palmer will add 96 calories.
Total Calories
Adding up the calories from each ingredient:
- Iced tea: 0 calories
- 6 oz lemonade: 50 calories
- 1.5 oz vodka: 96 calories
The total calories in a 12 oz spiked half and half Arnold Palmer is approximately 146 calories.
This can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. For example, using a more caloric lemonade or additional vodka would increase the calories.
Nutritional Information for Common Arnold Palmer Ingredients
To get a better idea of the potential calorie range, let’s look at the nutritional contents of the common ingredients in more detail:
Iced Tea
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed black tea, unsweetened | 12 oz | 0 |
| Brewed tea, sweetened with 2 tsp sugar | 12 oz | 70 |
| Bottled sweet tea | 12 oz | 120-150 |
As you can see, unsweetened iced tea contains 0 calories, while sweetened varieties contain 70-150 calories per 12 oz serving.
Lemonade
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh lemonade, sweetened with sugar | 12 oz | 120-150 |
| Store-bought lemonade, sweetened | 12 oz | 100-130 |
| Diet lemonade, sweetened with artificial sweetener | 12 oz | 50-80 |
Lemonade can range from 50-150 calories per 12 oz serving depending on whether it is sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Vodka
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka, 80 proof | 1.5 oz shot | 96 |
All straight 80 proof vodkas contain around 96 calories per 1.5 oz shot. Flavored vodkas may contain slightly more calories from added sugars.
Calorie Ranges for Different Arnold Palmer Recipes
Based on typical calorie counts for each ingredient, we can estimate calorie ranges for different types of Arnold Palmer recipes:
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calorie Range |
|---|---|---|
| Non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer | 12 oz | 50-300 |
| Spiked Arnold Palmer | 12 oz | 150-400 |
| Half and half Arnold Palmer | 12 oz | 100-250 |
| Spiked half and half Arnold Palmer | 12 oz | 200-350 |
As you can see, the calorie count can vary significantly based on the different ingredients used. But in general, a 12 oz spiked half and half Arnold Palmer will contain around 200-250 calories.
Tips for Lightening Up Your Arnold Palmer
If you’re looking to lighten up your spiked Arnold Palmer, here are some tips:
- Use diet lemonade or make lemonade with artificial sweetener instead of sugar
- Use unsweetened iced tea
- Add more iced tea and less lemonade for a lighter tea flavor
- Use calorie-free vodka like vodka soda instead of regular vodka
- Use less vodka or opt for a single shot instead of a double
- Garnish with lemon or mint instead of high calorie cream or simple syrup
- Drink over ice to dilute and stretch the beverage for fewer calories per glass
Following some of these tips can help reduce the calories in a spiked Arnold Palmer by 50-100 calories per serving.
The Bottom Line
An Arnold Palmer spiked half and half generally contains around 200-250 calories in a typical 12 oz serving. This estimate is based on:
- 6 oz unsweetened iced tea: 0 calories
- 6 oz regular lemonade: 50 calories
- 1.5 oz vodka: 96 calories
Exact calories will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in each drink. Choosing light options like diet lemonade, unsweetened tea, and low calorie vodka can reduce the calories in a spiked Arnold Palmer. Diluting with ice and adjusting portion sizes can also lighten up this popular golf course cocktail.
