The Arnold Palmer is a popular non-alcoholic beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade. The drink was named after famous golfer Arnold Palmer, who is said to have originally created the refreshing combination by accident.
An Arnold Palmer is typically made by mixing equal parts iced tea and lemonade, resulting in a drink that offers both the refreshing sweetness of lemonade and the bold flavor of iced tea. While the original version contains no alcohol, there are spiked versions available that add vodka or other spirits to create a boozy twist on this classic summertime drink.
One popular ready-to-drink spiked Arnold Palmer brand is called Arnie’s Spiked Palmer. With the growing popularity of ready-to-drink cocktails and spiked seltzers, more companies are offering their own versions of alcoholic Arnold Palmers in cans or bottles for convenience.
So what ingredients go into a can or bottle of spiked Arnold Palmer like Arnie’s? Let’s take a closer look at how these alcoholic Arnold Palmers are made and what they contain.
Main Ingredients in Spiked Arnold Palmers
Most ready-to-drink spiked Arnold Palmers contain four key ingredients:
Brewed Iced Tea
The tea provides the signature tea flavor in an Arnold Palmer. Brands like Arnie’s use real brewed iced tea, not powdered or concentrate, to offer an authentic tea taste. Black tea is commonly used.
Lemonade
The lemonade provides sweetness and acidity to balance the tannins in the brewed tea. Store-bought or commercially-made lemonade is usually used in ready-to-drink Arnold Palmers.
Vodka
This clear spirit provides the alcoholic kick in a spiked Arnold Palmer. Vodka is a popular choice since it has a neutral taste that won’t overpower the tea and lemon flavors. Brands like Arnie’s use a vodka distilled multiple times for purity and smoothness.
Natural Flavors
Small amounts of natural flavors may be added to enhance or supplement the main tea and lemonade flavors. Common natural flavors could include citrus, ginger, peach, or raspberry.
Additional Ingredients
In addition to the core ingredients, some other components go into a pre-made alcoholic Arnold Palmer:
Preservatives
Since these products are shelf-stable, preservatives help maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Potassium sorbate is a common preservative used in ready-to-drink beverages.
Sweeteners
The lemonade used in spiked Arnold Palmers contains standard sweeteners like sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Some brands may use alternative natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.
Acidulants
Citric acid or malic acid may be used to balance pH and add tartness similar to fresh lemon juice.
Natural Flavors
In addition to flavors complementing the tea and lemonade, ingredients like ginger extract or spice flavors are sometimes added.
Carbonated Water
Some spiked Arnold Palmers contain carbonated water for light effervescence and carbonation.
Coloring
Caramel color is commonly added to give the beverage a rich amber hue resembling freshly brewed iced tea.
Nutrition Facts for Arnie’s Spiked Palmer
Here is the nutrition information for a 12-ounce can of Arnie’s Spiked Palmer alcoholic iced tea:
| Serving Size | 12 fl oz (1 can) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 228 |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Sugars | 25 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Alcohol Content | 5% ABV |
The main sources of calories and carbohydrates come from the lemonade and added sweeteners. A 12-ounce serving contains 29 grams of carbohydrates and 25 grams of sugar. The alcohol content provides a light buzz at 5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Benefits of Ready-to-Drink Arnold Palmers
Enjoying spiked Arnold Palmers in convenient ready-to-drink cans offers several benefits:
Portability
The single-serve cans are easy to toss in a cooler or bag and take anywhere without worrying about spills or mixing up ingredients. You can enjoy them poolside, at BBQs, on golf courses, or wherever your summer plans take you.
Consistent Flavor
Unlike bar or homemade versions, pre-made alcoholic Arnold Palmers offer a reliable, consistent ratio of tea, lemonade, vodka, and flavors in every can so you know exactly what to expect.
Reduced Calorie Options
Some brands offer low-calorie or low-carb versions with alternative sweeteners to cut down on sugars. This provides a lighter alcoholic Arnold Palmer option.
Refreshing Hydration
The tea and lemonade electrolytes promote hydration, making spiked Arnold Palmers an ideal summer cocktail to sip on hot days.
Relaxing Drink
Nursing a spiked Arnold Palmer on the patio or by the pool is a great way to unwind and refresh.
Popular Brands
Some top ready-to-drink alcoholic Arnold Palmer brands include:
Arnie’s Spiked Palmer
Arnie’s was one of the first mainstream packaged brands offering a variety of flavors like Half & Half, Cherry Limeade, and Blueberry Pomegranate.
Bon & Viv Spiked Arnold Palmer
This brand uses vodka, tea, and lemonade with hints of ginger and cherry flavors for a zesty twist. They also have a zero sugar version.
Twisted Tea Spiked Arnold Palmers
Twisted Tea combines their well-known hard iced tea with lemonade to create a convenient canned Arnold Palmer cocktail.
SOCIAL Lightly Spiked Arnold Palmer
SOCIAL makes a lighter 3.5% ABV version of a classic Arnold Palmer with tea, lemonade, and a dash of vodka.
Long Drink Arnold Palmer
Long Drink offers a bubbly canned Arnold Palmer made with tea, lemonade, and their signature gin blend.
Cocktail Recipes Using Pre-made Spiked Arnold Palmers
Ready-to-drink Arnold Palmers also work great as mixers and bases for cocktails. Try these delicious Arnold Palmer cocktail recipes:
Boozy Palmer Float
In a tall glass, fill with vanilla ice cream. Top with Arnie’s Spiked Palmer and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Palmer Punch
Mix equal parts Arnie’s Spiked Palmer and orange juice. Top with ginger beer and add orange slices.
Palmer Sangria
Stir together white wine, Arnie’s Spiked Palmer, chopped fruit, and a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda.
Palmer Moscow Mule
Fill a copper mug with ice. Add Arnie’s Spiked Palmer, vodka, lime juice, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint and lime wedges.
Palmer Margarita
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine Arnie’s Spiked Palmer, silver tequila, and triple sec or orange liqueur. Shake until chilled and pour into glasses with salted rims.
Tips for Making Arnold Palmers from Scratch
While ready-to-drink options offer convenience, you can easily mix up homemade Arnold Palmers:
Use Fresh-Brewed Tea
Don’t skimp on tea bags – use high-quality, real brewed tea. Black tea makes the most authentic version.
Mix in Fresh Lemon Juice
Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice instead of powdered lemonade mix whenever possible.
Equal Parts Tea & Lemonade
Balance the tea and lemonade flavors by combining equal amounts of each ingredient. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness as needed.
Add Simple Syrup
Add a splash of simple syrup to level out acidity and achieve desired sweetness.
Use a Light Hand with Vodka
Add vodka to taste, but avoid overpowering the tea-lemonade flavors. Start with 1-2 ounces maximum per drink.
Garnish with Lemon
Serve in a tall glass over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel to complement the flavors.
Make a Pitcher
Consider making a pitcher if serving for a crowd. Allow to chill in the fridge before serving.
Mix and Match Flavors
Get creative with different types of tea, lemonade flavors, or even additions like muddled fruit, herbs or spices!
How Long Does Spiked Arnold Palmer Last? Shelf Life and Storage
Properly stored unopened canned or bottled spiked Arnold Palmers generally last:
Unpopened
12-18 months at room temperature
2+ years refrigerated
The shelf life of unopened ready-to-drink alcoholic Arnold Palmers is quite long thanks to preservatives and the canned packaging preventing oxygen exposure.
Opened
5-7 days
Once opened, shelf life is shortened due to oxygen introduction. For best quality and taste, consume opened cans within one week.
To maximize freshness of open cans, re-seal or close tightly and refrigerate.
Homemade
3-4 days
Homemade Arnold Palmer cocktails with fresh ingredients will only keep for a few days. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to Tell if Spoiled
Signs that a packaged Arnold Palmer has gone bad include:
– Flat or stale taste
– Change in color
– Mold growth
– Rancid or rotten aroma
Discard any spoiled alcoholic Arnold Palmers. Don’t take risks consuming bad beverages.
Where to Buy Ready-to-Drink Spiked Arnold Palmers
Pre-made alcoholic Arnold Palmers can be found at:
Grocery Stores
Major grocery store chains often carry ready-to-drink cocktails including spiked Arnold Palmers in the alcohol section. Brand availability varies by location.
Convenience Stores
Spiked Arnold Palmers are frequently stocked alongside other canned cocktails at convenience/corner stores for grab-and-go convenience.
Liquor Stores
Most liquor stores sell mainstream and specialty ready-to-drink cocktails like various Arnold Palmer brands.
Online/Delivery
Drink delivery apps and websites like Drizly or Minibar deliver a wide selection of ready-to-drink alcoholic Arnold Palmers.
Brand Websites
Some brands like Arnie’s Spiked Palmer sell online directly from their websites for easy order fulfillment.
Check your local listings to find a retailer near you carrying alcoholic Arnold Palmers! They are more widely available than ever with the rising popularity of canned cocktails.
Other Ready-to-Drink Tea Cocktails
If you enjoy the convenience of spiked Arnold Palmers, consider trying these other ready-to-drink tea-based cocktails:
Twisted Tea Original Hard Iced Tea
Twisted Tea was one of the pioneers of bottled hard iced tea. This 5% ABV malt beverage combines tea and lemon flavors.
Miami Cocktail Co. Twisted Tea
Miami Cocktail Co.’s line includes a classic Twisted Tea blend with vodka, tea, lemonade, and natural flavors.
Loverboy Sparkling Tea Spritz
Loverboy offers a boozy take on iced tea with brewed tea, lemon juice, and white wine at 6% ABV.
Hard Freshest Hard Iced Tea
This brand uses a touch of tequila for a Mexican-style iced tea with natural citrus flavors.
CAPE LINE Sparkling Iced Tea
CAPE LINE’s blend of vodka, tea, juice, and fizzy water makes for a refreshing lightly spiked sparkling iced tea.
Conclusion
On a hot summer day, nothing quenches thirst quite like an Arnold Palmer. While the classic non-alcoholic version will always remain a staple, alcoholic spiked Arnold Palmers in portable cans and bottles offer a convenient twist. Pre-made with real brewed tea, lemonade, vodka, and natural flavors, these drinks provide the perfect balance of sweet tea flavor and light alcoholic kick in one can.
With the growing ready-to-drink cocktail market, Arnold Palmer options from trusted brands like Arnie’s, Twisted Tea, and more are readily available at many major retailers. So next time your on the golf course, backyard patio, or beach, crack open a refreshing alcoholic Arnold Palmer and sip your way to pure summertime bliss. Just remember to drink responsibly and never drive while intoxicated. Palmer on!
