This classic Arnold Palmer Drink is a refreshing combination of unsweetened iced tea and homemade lemonade. It is one of my favorite summer beverages, and it is perfect for pool parties, patio and deck parties, and picnics. You don’t have to be on the golf course to enjoy this refreshing beverage. So grab a glass, pull up a chair, and let’s reminisce for a while.
Hubby and I love to have an assortment of quick and easy summer drink recipes on hand for when friends drop by. This recipe, fresh peach tea, blueberry lemonade, and strawberry lemonade, are just a few of our favorites. I like to prepare this refreshment with fresh squeezed lemonade, but summer is full of activities, so feel free to use already prepared bottled lemonade or frozen concentrate.
How to Make an Arnold Palmer Drink
Start by brewing some fresh tea. Let it cool for a little bit and then refrigerate for several hours up to overnight. Fill a small saucepan with about 2 cups water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a low boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Then remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
Add the lemon juice stirring to combine, and refrigerate for several hours. Now fill a pitcher (or glasses) with ice and pour equal parts tea and lemonade into the pitcher. Feel free to adjust the amounts to taste. If desired, add lemon slices or mint leaves to the pitcher and glasses.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Though you can make this with any tea, black tea is my preferred choice for the Arnie Palmer.
- For a spiked Arnold Palmer, add a couple of ounces of alcohol like gin, vodka, rum, or bourbon. Vodka is by far the most popular choice making it a John Daly cocktail.
- The simple syrup can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
- I think this is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, but if you want a sweeter drink, use sweet tea.
Do you have to use fresh squeezed lemonade?
No, you can certainly use already prepared bottled lemonade or lemonade made from frozen concentrate. It is really entirely up to you and your busy schedule. I have done it both ways and even though I prefer the fresh lemonade in my Arnold Palmer, both are delicious. There is also the added advantage that bottled lemonade and lemonade concentrate have a longer life.
What is the correct ratio of tea and lemon in an Arnold Palmer drink?
The classic drink and the way the late great golfer liked it was with about 75% tea and 25% lemonade. But as the drink became more and more popular, the split became more half iced tea and half lemonade. However, the correct ratio is up to you and your taste buds. I personally like mine more along the halfway split, but as my late Mother used to say, “Different strokes for different folks.”
More refreshing beverages to enjoy!
PrintArnold Palmer Drink
This Arnold Palmer Drink is a fun, easy, and refreshing iced tea lemonade made with simple ingredients. It is the perfect drink for a hot day, and it has a cool refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: beverage
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 3 tea bags
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- ice
- thin lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 3 cups water to a boil and add tea bags. Remove from the heat and let the tea steep for 5 minutes. Let cool a bit, then refrigerate for several hours up to overnight.
- Add 2 cups water and sugar to a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, stirring several times. Let cool to room temperature. Stir in the lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Add both the tea and the lemonade to a pitcher. Add lemon slices and stir to combine. Fill glasses with ice and lemon slices before pouring the tea. If serving by the glass without a pitcher, add ice and lemon slices to a glass and pour a 50/50 mixture. Garnish with fresh lemon slices.
Notes
- Though you can make this with any tea, black tea is my preferred choice for the Arnie Palmer.
- For a spiked Arnold Palmer, add a couple of ounces of alcohol like gin, vodka, rum, or bourbon. Vodka is by far the most popular choice making it a John Daly cocktail.
- The simple syrup can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
- I think this is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, but if you want a sweeter drink, use sweet tea.
Keywords: what is an Arnold Palmer drink, what is in an Arnold Palmer drink, Arnold Palmer beverage
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Celebrate Woman Today
Frankly, I just learned about this drink. Having lemons, freshly cut and in the drink is so refreshing!
Yeah Lifestyle
We gave these a try as I love iced tea, it was so refreshing with the lemonade over ice. We will drink this way more often now!
★★★★★
Jupiter Hadley
I have never thought of making my own Arnold Palmer but it’s always such a refreshing drink for summer and isn’t available where I live now! Thank you for your recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Jupiter!
Ella English
I have never had an Arnold Palmer. I must say it sounds like. A delicious drink.
★★★★★
briannemanz
This is such a refreshingly simple summertime mocktail. Thank you
★★★★★
Claudia Krusch
It looks like the perfect summer drink! I can’t wait to make it at our next barbecue!
★★★★★
Lavanda
As a fan of refreshing and tasty beverages, I’m super fan the Arnold Palmer . The combination of iced tea and lemonade is absolutely delicious.
Jeremy O'Neill
I finally found this Arnold Palmer Drink perfect cocktail recipe, and it’s so easy and tasty!
★★★★★
Mahy
Fabulous drink and just what I have been looking for. The perfect recipe to keep handy this season.
★★★★★
Angela
I order this all the time at restaurants. Thanks for the recipe to make my own Arnold Palmers at home and I can control my sweetness.
★★★★★
Tavo
Delicious drink. I changed the sugar for agave syrup and worked very well.
★★★★★
Dannii
What a deliciously refreshing drink. I love anything with lemon.
★★★★★
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how easy this recipe is. It’s perfect for our family!
★★★★★
Julie
I love the perfect blend of tea and lemonade in this classic, refreshing drink.
★★★★★
Sara Welch
Such a quick and easy drink that doesn’t disappoint! Truly a refreshing classic!
★★★★★
Angela
I make this all the time! Arnold Palmers are the best drink and your recipe is perfect. Thanks for the great recipe!
★★★★★
Jacqueline Meldrum
I have to say I was surprised to find out this is made with tea. Nice!
★★★★★
Tara
Such a refreshing drink! Arnold Palmer is a favorite of my father-in-law’s. It looks so good and I love how easily it comes together!
★★★★★
Lisalia
I can’t tell you how much I love a tall Arnold Palmer drink! So refreshing and perfect for summer. I used sugar free lemonade and it was delish!
★★★★★
Heather Rose
This is my family’s favorite summer drink! So perfect!
★★★★★
Betsy
My husband LOVES this drink. He’s asked for it numerous times. Super refreshing and just the right mix of tea and lemonade. Delicious.
★★★★★
Colleen
New cocktail recipe for me but this is one great combo of ingredients. We had these on the patio at home on this hot summer day and everyone loved them!
★★★★★
Serena
I’m definitely a fan of the 50/50 split. We have this all the time and it’s so perfect on a hot summer day!
★★★★★
Denay DeGuzman
My girlfriend and her hubby served this delicious Arnold Palmer drink. It’s ideal for entertaining! I’m so glad to have this festive recipe!
★★★★★
Biana
Looks so refreshing and delicious! Perfect for summer.
★★★★★
Andrea
A very refreshing drink that’s perfect for these hot summer days.
★★★★★
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
This could be my go-to spring and summer drink! Super-refreshing and easy to make. Not too much caffeine, and satisfying!
★★★★★
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
I need to try this asap! Sounds so refreshing and delicious!
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
Yes, please! This looks SO GOOD!
★★★★★
Keira Ball
A refreshing drink for sunny days.
Cathy
Such a refreshing drink for summer! Thanks for the great tips!
MIchelle
This is one of my absolute favorite drinks! Love your recipe!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
Love this Arnold Palmer Drink! This sounds so refreshing!
★★★★★
Aiza
My husband and i love this refreshing drink! Perfect for summer!
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
Such a refreshing and summery drink. Perfect for those long hot summer days!
★★★★★
Jac
Saving this recipe for summer barbecues! My daughter will love this drink. Thanks 🙂
★★★★★
Saif
What a refreshing lemonade tea drink. Definitely going to make this since its summer here.
★★★★★
Jacqueline Meldrum
I’ve never heard of this but was totally intrigued when I read the name. It sounds really refreshing.
★★★★★
Jo
So refreshing and easy to make! This would be our go-to drink, Perfect for hot days!
★★★★★