Arnold Palmers with a Twist

Try saying Arnold Palmer three times fast! For some reason I have a really hard time saying it. I can barely type it correctly.

I just happen to love iced tea and lemonade, and they are terrific mixed together, which is what you would call an “Arnold Palmer.” To take it one step further, add a little limoncello (a lemon-flavored liqueur) and gin, and you get a fantastic summer cocktail.

I first discovered this cocktail while reading Bon Appetit magazine, but changed mine just a tiny bit. I have been a loyal subscriber for years, even though most of the recipes are too complicated for me to want take the time to make. This one, which they named “Leland Palmer,” was not too complicated though. You can click here if you’d like to know how it got that name.

These are super easy to make, as are most of the recipes I post, and I think you can hardly taste the alcohol.

We had a few friends over this past weekend for a Housewarming/BBQ, and served this drink, Pulled-Pork BBQ, and those fun yellow cake pops in the picture, among other things. For a “how-to” on the cake pops, click here.

Arnold Palmers with a Twist

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup hot water
3 cups freshly brewed jasmine tea, chilled
3/4 cup gin
3/4 cup limoncello
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup club soda, chilled
lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir the honey and 1/2 cup hot water until honey dissolves. Cool completely.

2. In a large pitcher, stir together: honey water, jasmine tea, gin, limoncello, and lemon juice. (If making ahead of time, keep mixture refrigerated.) Just before serving, stir in club soda.

3. Divide among ice filled glasses and garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Tips and Thoughts:

I have always used jasmine tea because it is one of my favorites, but I’m sure you could easily substitute black tea (not brewed too strongly) or green tea for a delicate flavor.

It is best to add the club soda right before serving to preserve the bubbles