This classic Arnold Palmer Drink is a refreshing combination of unsweetened iced tea and homemade lemonade. It is one of my favorite summer beverages, 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.
What is an Arnold Palmer Drink?
The Arnold Palmer drink is a refreshing blend of fresh brewed iced tea and lemonade. Learn how to make this classic beverage at home for a refreshing summer treat. Grab a glass, pull up a chair, and 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. If you like this recipe, try blueberry lemonade, peach iced tea, blueberry lemonade, and strawberry lemonade.
Ingredients for Arnold Palmer Drink
You need tea bags, sugar, and lemons for juicing and garnish for this recipe.
How to Make an Arnold Palmer Drink
Start by brewing some fresh tea. Let it cool for a 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 it from the heat and let it 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. Add lemon slices or mint leaves to the pitcher and glasses if desired.
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 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.
- 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 use prepared bottled lemonade or lemonade made from frozen concentrate. It is 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 like mine more along the halfway split, but as my late Mother used to say, “Different strokes for different folks.”
More Refreshing Beverages
Arnold Palmer Drink
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.
Nutrition
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Monica B
You’ve really nailed the essence of the Arnold Palmer drink with this recipe! The ratio of tea to lemonade is spot-on, and your suggestion to adjust it according to personal preference is a great touch. I also love the idea of adding a splash of alcohol for a spiked version – it’s a fun twist for those who want to jazz it up a bit. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Monica!
Astrid
Interesting! I love lemonade and cold tea, but I had never mixed them together until now. It looks like this will be our new favorite drink this summer.
Mary Lou
Love this drink! It is the best of both worlds. Word of caution though! You will be hooked!
Predrag K
This drink is perfect for spring and summer – refreshing, simple to whip up, just the right amount of caffeine, and totally satisfying!
Beth Pierce
My thoughts exactly!
Regina F
So refreshing. Who knew ice tea and lemonade would taste so good combined. This is going to be my new spring and summer drink.
Beth Pierce
I hear ya, Regina! I love it too!
Richmond
So refreshing and delicious. A perfect beverage for southern Florida!
Mel Watkins
This is my new favorite way to drink iced tea. It is just perfect and so darn refreshing!
Kamila
Such a refreshing recipe and I love the color! Thanks for sharing this and I will keep this for my next home party!
Lisa Lopez
We love this drink especially during those hot summer months. We don’t call it Arnold Pamer though, this is the first time I’ve heard this drink being called by that name. But I will say it is refreshing and so good.
Sienna Wright
I absolutely agree! The Arnold Palmer drink is a timeless classic that perfectly combines the tartness of lemonade with the subtle sweetness of iced tea, making it the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot summer day. It’s so versatile that it can be enjoyed at any gathering or occasion, whether it’s a pool party, a patio and deck party, or a picnic. And the best part is that it’s easy to make at home, so you can enjoy this refreshing beverage anytime you want.
Maureen D
This is such a refreshing drink. I love that it is easy to make and that it is a crowd pleaser! Thanks for the recipe!
Emily Butler
I’m a huge fan of the Arnold Palmer drink, both with and without alcohol! Thanks for sharing the recipe; I’ve always had them made for me, but never knew how to make one perfectly on my own.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Emily!
Kim White
Your recipe for the Arnold Palmer drink is fantastic! I appreciate how you’ve provided clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfect blend of tea and lemonade. Thanks for sharing such a delightful recipe! I will be enjoying this all spring and summer.
Stevie
In the past I’ve only purchased this in bottles – but making my own is so much better! Delicious and refreshing drink recipe.
Beth Pierce
I agree! It tastes so much better than the bottled stuff.
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.
Nikita W
This is a very refreshing and healthy drink. Thanks for the recipe! This is a new favorite of mine.
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!