Juan Daly
A refreshing and deceptively simple tequila-based highball that represents a clever, colloquial evolution of the popular John Daly cocktail.
13%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
Collins
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Juan Daly is a clever and organic evolution of the John Daly cocktail (a spiked Arnold Palmer). By replacing the vodka with tequila, the name 'John' was humorously Hispanicized to 'Juan,' reflecting the spirit's Mexican origins. The drink emerged colloquially in the 21st century and has been popularized by tequila brands and its adoption in golf clubhouses.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a Collins or highball glass to the top with ice.
Pour the reposado tequila, iced tea, and lemonade directly into the glass.
Stir gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel.
Glassware
Served in a Collins or highball glass
Garnish
A fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
The equal parts (1:1:1) ratio is the most harmonious and widely accepted formula.
Use freshly brewed unsweetened black tea and fresh-squeezed lemonade for the best flavor.
Reposado tequila provides an ideal balance, with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel that bridge the tea and lemonade.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Juan Daly.
John Daly
The direct predecessor to the Juan Daly, made with vodka instead of tequila.
Changes
Southern-Style John Daly
A variation that uses bourbon in place of vodka, often with the addition of fresh mint.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Arnold Palmer
Half lemonade, half iced tea, the classic golfer's refresher.
John Daly
The boozy Arnold Palmer—vodka with iced tea and lemonade over ice.
Brave Bull
A deceptively simple yet potent cocktail that marries the earthy, agave-forward notes of tequila with the rich, sweet complexity of coffee liqueur. This mid-century classic serves as a cultural bridge, introducing Mexican tequila into the popular 'Russian' cocktail template.