Citrusy Mint Tea Beer Cocktail for Game Day

This Moroccan Arnold Palmer Beer recipe is a refreshing fusion of green tea, fresh mint, lemon, preserved lemon, and crisp beer, creating a light and citrus-forward cocktail perfect for game day or casual entertaining. Featured on Bring on the Karbs, hosted by Josh Karbelnik, this inventive drink blends traditional Moroccan-inspired flavors with the classic Arnold Palmer concept for a unique, easy-to-make beverage.

The Inspiration

The classic Arnold Palmer has earned its place as one of the most beloved refreshing beverages thanks to its simple combination of tea and lemon. Traditionally made with iced tea and lemonade, the drink delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and refreshing flavor that has made it a staple at barbecues, sporting events, and warm-weather gatherings.

The addition of preserved lemon introduces a distinctive layer of complexity. Commonly used in North African cuisine, preserved lemons provide an intense citrus flavor with subtle salty and fermented notes that cannot be replicated with fresh lemons alone. This ingredient adds depth and sophistication while enhancing the overall brightness of the drink.

This inventive version takes inspiration from traditional Moroccan tea culture, where green tea and fresh mint are central to hospitality and social connection. Moroccan mint tea is known for its aromatic qualities, refreshing taste, and ability to bring people together around a shared experience. By incorporating those familiar flavors into an Arnold Palmer-style beverage, the recipe creates something both recognizable and excitingly different.

On Bring on the Karbs, Erica and Josh Karbelnik are known for celebrating comfort food while embracing creative culinary influences from around the world. This Moroccan Arnold Palmer Beer perfectly reflects that approach by combining classic refreshment with unexpected global flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 green tea bags
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 preserved lemon
• 1 bunch mint
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 lemon
• 1 (12 oz) bottle of beer

Method

• Add green tea bags, mint, and sugar to 2 cups hot water and steep. Once cooled, add lemon juice and strain tea. Dice small preserved lemon and add to mix.
• Fill 2 beer glasses half with mix and half with beer. Garnish with mint and a lemon slice.

Serving Suggestions

This Moroccan Arnold Palmer Beer is ideal for game day gatherings, backyard barbecues, brunches, and casual summer entertaining. Its light and refreshing profile makes it a perfect companion to rich, savory foods, especially those commonly served during sports events or parties.

Pair it with fried chicken, loaded fries, sandwiches, sliders, or spicy appetizers to balance out heavier flavors. The citrus and mint notes help cleanse the palate between bites, making it especially effective alongside fried or cheesy dishes.

For a more relaxed setting, serve it in large pitchers so guests can pour their own drinks throughout the event. The visual appeal of mint leaves and lemon slices floating in the glass also makes it a great presentation drink for social gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Moroccan Arnold Palmer Beer recipe is a refreshing and creative twist on a classic drink, combining the herbal elegance of Moroccan mint tea with the bright citrus notes of lemon and the crisp finish of beer. Every sip delivers a layered flavor experience that is both familiar and exciting.

Featured on Bring on the Karbs, Josh Karbelnik showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into something unexpected and memorable. This drink stands out as a versatile, crowd-pleasing option for any occasion, especially game day gatherings where refreshing beverages are essential.

Whether you’re hosting friends, pairing it with comfort food, or simply looking for a new signature drink, this recipe offers a perfect balance of freshness, flavor, and creativity.

Find more recipes from Bring on the Karbs! here!

Follow us on Instagram and YouTube for behind-the-scene footage and exclusive content!