The Tipsy Palmer
There’s no other drink on par with this lemony summer cocktail.
An Arnold Palmer is the go-to drink for many people on hot summer days and has been popular since the 1960s. This half and half mixture of brewed iced tea and fresh lemonade poured over ice will quench the biggest thirst.
The non-alcoholic drink got its name years ago from the famous golfer one hot day in Palm Springs, where he was designing a golf course. He asked a waitress for a glass of lemonade and iced tea combined. Patrons of the restaurant were intrigued. Arnold’s army of fans spread the word quickly and the Arnold Palmer became a tasty part of American culture.
When my husband and I have friends visit, I make my version of a Tipsy Palmer. I replace the traditional bourbon with white rum, add a splash of Limoncello and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves. Friends always leave with a smile on their face and the recipe in hand.
Limoncello is produced in Southern Italy and is made with the zest of Sorrento lemons. The lemon zest is soaked in neutral spirits until the oils are released. It is then mixed with simple syrup, giving you a smooth, lemony liqueur to add to mixed drinks or sip ice cold as an after-dinner drink.
Mixing Limoncello with one of the South’s most popular drinks is a refreshing combination. Sipping a Tipsy Palmer is the perfect way to cool off in the clubhouse after a round of golf or sitting by the pool with friends.

Servings |
Drinks
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- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup limoncello
- 1/2 cup White Rum
- juice of one lemon
- mint leaves and lemon slices for garnish
Ingredients
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- Brew your tea by adding 4 tea bags to 4 cups of boiling water in a saucepan. Turn off the heat and steep tea for 10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add the sugar, stirring until it is dissolved completely. Add 2 cups of cold water.
- Pour the tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until completely cool.
- Stir in Limoncello and white rum. Pour over ice and garnish with thin lemon slices and mint leaves.
- Tip: Use decaffeinated black tea if you are planning to drink this after dinner.
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