John Daly

The John Daly is a popular and exceedingly simple cocktail perfect for a hot day, especially on the golf course. It takes the beloved Arnold Palmer, a fifty-fifty mix of iced tea and lemonade, and adds a shot of vodka for an alcoholic kick. The result is a thirst-quenching, perfectly balanced drink that is both sweet and tart, with the familiar comfort of iced tea. It's a go-to drink for casual sipping, barbecues, and outdoor events.
John Daly

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The John Daly is classified as a cocktail, specifically within the highball category. Highballs are drinks served in a tall glass over ice, typically consisting of a base spirit topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, which perfectly describes this combination of vodka, iced tea, and lemonade.

Serving

This cocktail is served cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass filled with ice, making it a refreshing long drink. Its alcohol content is relatively mild, comparable to a strong beer or a glass of wine.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 8-12% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink is named after the American professional golfer John Daly, who was known for his "grip it and rip it" approach to golf and his larger-than-life personality. During the 1990s, Daly became famous for drinking this concoction, and the name stuck. He later commercialized the drink, launching his own official line of ready-to-drink John Daly cocktails, cementing its place in beverage culture.
Origin
The drink originated in the United States during the 1990s, directly linked to the golfer John Daly himself, who popularized the combination.

John Daly

The John Daly is most famously known by its namesake, the golfer. It is essentially an alcoholic version of the Arnold Palmer, leading to descriptive alternative names like "Spiked Arnold Palmer" or "Dirty Arnold Palmer" which clearly indicate the addition of a spirit to the classic non-alcoholic mixed drink.
Original name
John Daly
Alternative names
  • Spiked Arnold Palmer
  • Dirty Arnold Palmer

Characteristics overview

The John Daly has a straightforward and refreshing profile, balancing the sweetness of lemonade with the tartness of lemon and the earthy notes of black tea. It's a smooth, still beverage with a clean finish, making it exceptionally easy to drink during summer.
Flavor
Sweet, Tart, Lemony, Tea
Aroma
Lemon, Black tea
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Refreshing
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, Light Brown, Transparent
Texture
Smooth, Thin, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, defined by a pleasant balance between sweet and sour, with a mild bitterness from the tea. The alcohol presence is subtle, making for a smooth and highly drinkable cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple cocktail requires only three key ingredients: vodka as the base spirit, along with equal parts iced tea and lemonade as mixers. Using fresh, high-quality mixers will significantly improve the final taste.
  • Vodka45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A clean, neutral vodka works best to not overpower the other flavors.
  • Iced Tea90 ml / 3 oz
    Freshly brewed and chilled unsweetened black tea is recommended to control the overall sweetness.
  • Lemonade90 ml / 3 oz
    Use a good quality lemonade; freshly squeezed is ideal for the best flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed for a John Daly, as it's built directly in the glass. A jigger for accurate measuring and a bar spoon for a quick stir are all you require.
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Jigger for measuring

Instructions

The preparation is incredibly straightforward: simply build all ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass. A gentle stir is all that is needed to mix the components before adding the garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the vodka directly over the ice.
3. Top with equal parts of iced tea and lemonade.
4. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh lemon wedge or wheel complements the drink's flavors and enhances its visual appeal. It can be squeezed into the drink for an extra citrus kick.
  • Lemon wedge or wheel placed on the rim or dropped into the drink

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy, and is vegan-friendly. However, it contains caffeine from the iced tea and is not gluten-free if made with vodka derived from wheat, though most distilled spirits are considered safe.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The caloric and sugar content of a John Daly comes almost entirely from the lemonade, so using a low-sugar or homemade version can reduce these values. It is a moderately sugary drink due to its composition.
Calories
Averagely 160-190 kcal / 669-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-22 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The John Daly is the quintessential daytime drink, ideal for warm-weather occasions. Its refreshing nature makes it perfect for summer parties, barbecues, and, of course, a day on the golf course. It's a fantastic choice for casual get-togethers where a simple, easy-drinking cocktail is desired.
  • Summer Parties
  • Barbecues
  • Golf Outings
  • Casual Day Drinking
  • Poolside Lounging

Pairing suggestions

The John Daly pairs wonderfully with classic American casual fare. Its refreshing, sweet-and-tart profile cuts through the richness of grilled and fried foods like barbecue, fried chicken, and burgers. It's also a perfect companion to lighter lunch items such as a club sandwich or a fresh summer salad.
  • Club Sandwich
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Barbecue Ribs
  • Light Salads
  • Fried Chicken

John Daly: The Golfer's Go-To Refresher

The John Daly is the ultimate easy-drinking cocktail, offering a perfect blend of familiar flavors. By simply adding vodka to the classic Arnold Palmer, it creates a refreshing and satisfying beverage with a pleasant alcoholic kick. Its simplicity in preparation, combined with its crowd-pleasing taste, makes it a reliable choice for any casual social gathering, particularly during warmer months. Named after the legendary golfer, this drink carries a fun backstory that adds to its charm.

Mocktails

Arnold Palmer

The original non-alcoholic version, made with only iced tea and lemonade.

You May Also Like

Vodka Gibson

A clean, crisp, and savory variation of the classic Martini, made with vodka and garnished with a cocktail onion.

1934 Zombie Punch

A complex and notoriously potent tiki classic blending three types of rum with fruit juices and exotic spices.

Vodka Martini

A crisp, clean, and spirit-forward classic cocktail made with vodka and dry vermouth, garnished with a lemon twist or olive.

Harvey Wallbanger

A tall, refreshing vodka and orange juice cocktail with a distinctive herbal and vanilla twist from a Galliano float.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Caribou Cocktail

A potent and warming French-Canadian punch made with red wine, hard liquor, and maple syrup.

Knickerbocker

A classic 19th-century rum sour balanced with sweet raspberry and a hint of orange liqueur.

Coronation Cocktail No. 1

A sophisticated and dry aperitif combining fino sherry and dry vermouth with a whisper of maraschino and orange bitters.

Roffignac Cocktail

A historic and refreshingly tart highball from New Orleans featuring cognac, raspberry syrup, and soda water.