Are you ready to learn how to prepare one of the most famous American cocktails?
The John Daly cocktail recipe is a boozier version of the spiked Arnold Palmer cocktail. It’ll undoubtedly wow your guests whether you’re hosting a summer soiree, a casual get-together with pals, or any summer celebration.

Here’s all you need to know to master this refreshing summer cocktail and improve your mixology skills!
John Daly Cocktail Recipe Information and Ingredients

The John Daly cocktail is one of the most delicious summer drinks. Its preparation is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. Let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need and how to make the cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 3 ounces of freshly brewed sweet tea
- 2 ounces of homemade lemonade
- Lemon wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Mixing Instructions
Excited to serve this delicious cocktail? Here’s how you can prepare John Daly:
- Fill a large highball glass with ice cubes and let it chill.
- Combine the sweet tea and vodka in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well for around 15 seconds.
- Strain the content into the chilled glass.
- Top it off with freshly squeezed lemonade.
- Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a mint sprig.
Calories and Nutritional Facts
An average serving (6 ounces) contains around 170 calories. However, individual caloric intake may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. For example, if you choose store-bought lemonade over fresh lemonade, you can expect a few more calories if the lemonade contains sugar or other additives.
Here’s a more detailed table of the nutritional content of this cocktail:
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 177.1 kcal |
Total Fat | 0.09 g |
Carbs | 11.49 g |
Sugar | 10.11 g |
Protein | 0.26 g |
Sodium | 5.16 mg |
Fiber | 0.6 g |
Alcohol Content
The John Daly drink strikes a balance between enjoyment and awareness.
When it comes to the alcohol content, it has a moderate alcohol level with only 2 ounces of vodka.
However, it’s very important to responsibly drink this cocktail due to its potential risk of intoxication. As with any other cocktail and drink, moderation is key to having a good time.
When to Serve
You can serve the John Daly cocktail during casual outdoor gatherings, hot summer days, or relaxed afternoon events.
Its blend of iced tea, vodka, and lemonade makes this cocktail an ideal companion for almost any social occasion.
Tips and Recipe Variations
The John Daly cocktail is a versatile option that may be easily tailored to your preferences.
First, if you want a slightly different cocktail version, try experimenting with different iced tea blends to add unique undertones to your cocktail. You can add a peach, lemon, or orange-infused iced tea and get a different fruity touch. You can also use tea bags of your preferred tea flavor.
Second, you can modify the sweetness by adjusting the sweet tea and lemonade proportions.
Also, if you have children at your party and don’t want to exclude them from trying something new, simply leave out the vodka.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient; the John Daly drink is still adaptable!
If you don’t have vodka, you can substitute bourbon or whiskey for a warmer, stronger flavor.
If you run out of traditional sweet tea, you can substitute honey or agave nectar as a sweetener.
Lastly, for a bitter variation on the lemonade, you can use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
Food Pairing Ideas

Here’re some suggestions if you want to combine the tasty John Daly cocktail with delightful food combos:
- Sandwiches with cucumber and cream cheese
- Crispy fried chicken sliders
- Fresh fruit platter, including berries and watermelon
- Salad with seafood and citrus dressing
John Daly Cocktail Recipe: Final Thoughts
John Daly is an easy-to-make cocktail that will wow your taste buds. It offers the perfect balance between flavors with its blend of sweet iced tea, lemonade, and vodka, making it an ideal choice for a variety of events.
Gather the ingredients, prepare the cocktail shaker, fried chicken, and fruit dish, call your friends, and enjoy an evening like never before. Cheers!