Cranberry Bourbon Arnold Palmer

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Last updated and expanded on May 20, 2026.

Looking for the perfect holiday cocktail that everyone can enjoy? This Cranberry Bourbon Arnold Palmer takes a beloved Southern classic and gives it a refreshing autumn upgrade. Made with sweet tea, lemonade, and a splash of cranberry, it’s simple to make and can easily be customized to make a larger batch to serve at a party!

What Is an Arnold Palmer?

If you’ve never had one, a classic Arnold Palmer is a beloved mocktail that features a 50/50 split of lemonade and iced tea (traditionally unsweetened iced tea, though sweet tea is a favorite regional twist!).

The drink gets its name from golf icon Arnold Palmer, who famously ordered the combination at a country club bar in the 1960s. It quickly caught on, and today it’s a staple on menus everywhere. Because it nails that perfect balance between sweet and tart, it serves as the ultimate base for seasonal variations. Adding a splash of tart cranberry juice and a smooth pour of bourbon completely transforms it from a backyard summer staple into a cozy, festive autumn cocktail.

Ingredients & Variations

To make this festive twist on a Southern classic, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Here is what to gather and how you can customize them based on what’s in your personal taste:

• Sweet Tea: Traditional Arnold Palmers use unsweetened black tea, but sweet tea is typically used in the South. If you want total control over the sweetness, feel free to use unsweetened iced tea and add a splash of simple syrup to taste.
• Lemonade: A high-quality store-bought lemonade works beautifully, or you can squeeze fresh lemons and make your own homemade for an extra-bright, zesty kick.
• Cranberry Juice: When I make this I use Simply Cranberry Cocktail Juice because I always have this in my fridge (when I get bored of drinking water every day I drink half and half water and Simply Cran, that’s what’s normally in my yeti cup) but you can also make this using 100% tart cranberry juice to give the drink its gorgeous, vibrant color and a sharp bite that cuts through the sweetness.
• Bourbon: Look for a smooth, classic bourbon to warm up the flavors. A rye bourbon works wonderfully here, as its natural hint of spice pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberry.
• Garnishes (Optional): Fresh lemon wheels, a handful of whole fresh cranberries, or a sprig of fresh rosemary add the perfect holiday touch.

Make It a Mocktail!

This drink is incredibly family friendly and perfect for any time of day. To skip the alcohol, simply omit the bourbon and add an extra ounce of sweet tea or a splash of sparkling water for a bit of festive fizz!

To make one Cranberry Bourbon Arnold Palmer combine:

• 1 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Cranberry juice
• 2 oz Sweet tea
• 2 oz Lemonade

Stir well, serve over ice, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

To Make a Large Batch for a Party

Hosting a holiday gathering or game day crowd? You can easily scale this recipe up to fill a standard pitcher. To make a large batch (about 6 to 8 servings), mix the following ingredients in a pitcher and stir well:

• 1 cup Bourbon
• 1 cup Cranberry juice
• 2 cups Sweet tea
• 2 cups Lemonade

Pro-Tip: Don’t add ice directly to the pitcher! It will dilute the flavors as it sits out. Instead, keep the pitcher chilled in the fridge and serve the cocktail over fresh ice in individual glasses, topped with a few fresh cranberries and lemon wheels for a festive look.

Best Holiday & Party Food Pairings

Because this Cranberry Bourbon Arnold Palmer strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and smoky bourbon, it pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes. If you’re setting up a spread for game day, Thanksgiving, or a festive holiday gathering, here are a few excellent pairings to serve alongside it:

• Savory Appetizers: The sharp, creamy bite of a classic Southern dip like pimento cheese dip or creamy jalapeno dip served with warm biscuit bites cuts through the cocktail’s acidity beautifully. The rich fats in cheese and butter balance out the tartness of the cranberry juice.
• Holiday Mains & Casseroles: This drink screams cozy autumn weather, making it a fantastic companion for hearty holiday spreads. It pairs wonderfully with comforting veggie side dishes (like sweet potato or broccoli casserole) and savory plant-based roasts.
• Smoky & Salty Snacks: If you’re serving this for a casual football game day, put out bowls of roasted nuts, smoky barbecue snacks, or crunchy chips. The saltiness balances the sweetness of the sweet tea and lemonade flawlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time? Yes! You can mix the sweet tea, lemonade, and cranberry juice in a pitcher up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just hold off on adding the bourbon, ice, and garnishes until you are ready to serve so everything stays perfectly fresh and undiluted.

What is the best bourbon to use for an Arnold Palmer? A standard, smooth midshelf bourbon works best. If you prefer a bit of spice to cut through the sweetness of the tea and lemonade, reach for a high rye bourbon. If you like things a little sweeter and mellower, a wheated bourbon is a great choice.

How can I make this drink less sweet? If you prefer a tarter cocktail, swap out the Southern sweet tea for unsweetened black iced tea. You can also use 100% pure tart cranberry juice instead of a cranberry cocktail blend to give it a sharper bite.

Looking for More Ideas Perfect for Fall?

If you love fall as much as I do check out these other great recipes and activities.

• How to Create a Vegan Fall Charcuterie Board
• Visiting Local Farms This Fall: Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards 
• Vegan Whipped Pumpkin Pecan Dip
• Vegan Apple Bourbon Cobbler
• Apple Rosemary Compote
• Apple Pie Dip – A Sweet Twist on a Fall Classic

Cheers to Fall!

This Cranberry Arnold Palmer drink is perfect with or without the bourbon. It just depends on the time of day whether or not I add it. If you are not adding the bourbon just add a little more tea. This version is perfect for the holidays because it is refreshing and not too sweet or too tart. I hope this cranberry twist on a classic becomes your new favorite fall drink!