Tipsy Palmer
There’s no other drink on par with this lemony summer cocktail. An Arnold Palmer is the go-to drink for many on hot summer days and has been popular since the 1960’s. A half and half mixture of brewed iced tea and fresh lemonade poured over ice will quench the biggest thirst. Simply add white rum and Limoncello to make a refreshing Tipsy Palmer.

This non-alcoholic drink got its name years ago from the famous golfer on a 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.
What is Limoncello?
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 sweet tea, 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 while sitting by the pool with friends.

Key Ingredients for a Tipsy Palmer
BLACK TEA– Make black tea with tea bag, water and sugar. This forms the base of your cocktails. Be sure to chill the tea completely before adding it to your glass.
LIMONCELLO– A lemony liqueur is added to this cocktail to give it a bold lemon flavor.
WHITE RUM– Rum replaces the bourbon in this cocktail. Dark rum can also be used, if that is your preference.
LEMONS and MINT– Serve the drink slices of lemon and sprigs of mint in each glass.
A handful of ingredients yields a delightful, refreshing cocktail to share with friends on a hot summer day.
How to make a Tipsy Palmer
- Brew the 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 1/2 cup of sugar, stir until dissolved completely.
- Add 2 cups of cold water. Pour tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until completely cool.
- Stir in lemon juice, Limoncello and white rum. Pour the mixture over ice and garnish with thin lemon slices and mint leaves.

Additional Tips for making a Tipsy Palmer
- Use decaffeinated black tea if you are planning to drink this cocktail after dinner. We try to limit our intake of caffeine late in the day so it won’t impact our sleep.
- Chill the Limoncello before using it in your drinks. I keep a bottle in the refrigerator and use it for cocktails, this ensures that your drinks stay cold. A small glass of cold Limoncello also makes a tasty after dinner drink.
- If you love mint, muddle a leaf or two in the bottom of your glasses before mixing your Tipsy Palmer.
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Tipsy Palmer
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water, bring to boil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water, cold
- 1/2 cup Limoncello
- 1/2 cup white rum
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
- thin slices of lemon and sprigs of mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Brew the 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 1/2 cup of sugar, stir until dissolved completely.
- Add 2 cups of cold water. Pour tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until completely cool. (Use decaffeinated black tea if you are planning to drink this after dinner.)
- Stir in lemon juice, Limoncello and white rum. Pour the mixture over ice and garnish with thin lemon slices and mint leaves.
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 pitcher for mixing
Notes
- Use decaffeinated black tea if you are planning to drink this after dinner. We try to limit our intake of caffeine late in the day so it won’t impact our sleep.
- Chill the Limoncello before using it in your cocktails. I keep a bottle in the refrigerator and use it for cocktails, this ensures that your drinks stay cold. A small glass of Limoncello also makes a delicious after dinner drink.
- If you love mint, muddle a leaf or two in the bottom of your glasses before mixing your Tipsy Palmer.