Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer Cocktail Recipe

You know, there’s something about a classic drink that begs for a little reinvention. The Arnold Palmer—half tea, half lemonade—already screams summer.

But when I pour in ripe peach flavor and some smooth bourbon, wow, it suddenly feels brand new. This Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer Cocktail brings together sweet fruit, bold whiskey, and refreshing tea for a balanced drink that’s honestly easy to love.

Bourbon adds depth, while peach keeps it light and sunny. It’s not as strong as a whiskey sour or as bubbly as a bourbon smash, but it lands right in that happy middle.

The southern charm mixed with backyard comfort makes this one of my favorite summer cocktails to share with friends.

Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer Cocktail Recipe

I grab smooth bourbon, peach nectar, sweet tea, and lemonade to whip up a drink that feels just right—refreshing and balanced. You don’t need fancy gear or hard-to-find ingredients.

The steps are clear, and anyone can pull this off at home.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid for mixing
• Jigger or small measuring cup for accurate pours
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Fine mesh strainer to catch pulp or stray ice
• Cutting board and knife for slicing peaches or garnishes
• Rocks glass or highball glass for serving
• Ice cube tray for fresh ice
• Small saucepan if you’re brewing black tea or making honey syrup

I like to set everything out before mixing. Having the right tools nearby just makes things easier and keeps the drink tasting consistent.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 oz sweet tea or black iced tea, chilled
• 2 oz lemonade
• 1 oz peach nectar or puréed fresh peaches
• ½ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• ½ oz honey or simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves and peach slices for garnish

I usually go for homemade tea and lemonade because I can control the sweetness. Fresh peaches, when I can get them, add a natural flavor that works beautifully with bourbon’s warmth.

Adjust the honey or syrup if you like it sweeter—or skip it if you don’t.

Instructions

• Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
• Add bourbon, sweet tea, lemonade, peach nectar, lemon juice, and honey.

I shake gently for about 10 seconds so everything chills and mixes together.

Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

I top it off with a mint sprig and a peach slice.

A quick stir before drinking, and it’s ready.

I always use strong black tea in the mix because it stands up to the fruit flavor. For a pitcher, I just multiply the ingredients and stir instead of shaking.

Notes

The drink tastes best cold, not watered down—so I use big ice cubes that melt slowly. High-quality bourbon really does make the finish smoother and blends better with the peach.

Sometimes, if I want it lighter, I swap half the bourbon for more iced tea. Fresh mint on top brings a clean aroma that plays well with the honey and fruit.

If peaches are out of season, canned peach nectar is totally fine. I steer clear of super-sweet store lemonade since it can drown out the bourbon and tea.

Tasting Notes

Right away, I get a smooth mix of sweet peach and strong bourbon. The flavor feels balanced—neither too heavy nor overly sugary.

The iced tea and lemonade keep things light and refreshing. Bourbon brings warmth and depth, while peach softens everything with a mild fruit note.

I catch a gentle hint of citrus from the lemonade, which really brightens each sip. When I pour it over ice, the drink feels crisp and honestly, pretty easy to enjoy.

I usually go for a serving size of about 8 ounces. That seems just right to me—not too strong, not too little.

The finish stays clean, with a little touch of sweetness that lingers. Honestly, it pairs great with summer meals or just as a simple evening drink.