So, the Arnold Palmer Drink is really just a simple mix of iced tea and lemonade, and it’s one of those recipes that feels easy to put together without much effort. You don’t need a lot of time or fancy ingredients, and that makes it perfect when you want something refreshing without spending too long in the kitchen.
It’s best enjoyed as a cool drink on hot afternoons, but honestly it works well as a snack-time refreshment or even at casual get-togethers when you want something light and fun to serve. And with that in mind, let’s move into what the Arnold Palmer Drink actually is.
What is Arnold Palmer Drink?
The Arnold Palmer Drink is basically a mix of iced tea and lemonade, and it’s named after the famous golfer Arnold Palmer who enjoyed this refreshing combination. It’s a simple half-and-half blend that balances the tartness of lemonade with the smooth flavor of tea.
People usually serve it cold with ice cubes, a slice of lemon, and sometimes a few mint leaves for a fresh touch. It’s most often enjoyed as a non-alcoholic drink, but there’s also a version called the John Daly where vodka is added for a stronger kick. This makes it a popular choice for summer days, parties, or just a casual afternoon refreshment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick to prepare: The Arnold Palmer Drink doesn’t take much time at all, and you can have it ready in just a few minutes once your tea and lemonade are made.
Simple ingredients: Everything you need is very basic, like tea, lemons, sugar, and water, so you don’t have to go searching for anything special.
Easy to adjust: You can change the ratio of tea to lemonade depending on how strong or light you want the flavor, which makes it flexible for different tastes.
Beginner-friendly: Even if you don’t usually make drinks at home, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated steps.
Perfect for warm days: It’s especially nice when the weather is hot, because the chilled mix of lemonade and iced tea feels refreshing and light.
Great for gatherings: Since it can be made in larger batches, it works well for parties, family get-togethers, or even just casual afternoons with friends.
Ingredients Needed:
When you make the Arnold Palmer Drink, you really only need a few basic things that are easy to find, and each one has its own simple role in bringing the drink together.
- Black Tea – gives the drink a strong and smooth flavor that balances the lemonade.
- Fresh Lemons – add that bright, tangy taste which makes the lemonade refreshing.
- Sugar – helps create sweetness so the flavors blend smoothly instead of tasting sharp.
- Water – used for brewing the tea and also for diluting the lemonade to the right strength.
- Mint Leaves – add a cool and fresh touch, mostly for garnish and a little extra flavor.
💡 Note: For the full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements, please check the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Arnold Palmer Drink:
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Start by boiling some fresh water in a pot or saucepan, because fresh water always gives a cleaner taste. Then add your black tea, either loose leaves or tea bags, and let it steep until the color looks rich and the flavor feels strong but not too bitter. Covering the pot for a few minutes helps the tea develop a deeper flavor. Once it’s done, strain out the leaves or remove the bags, and let the tea cool down. You’ll notice the tea turning a nice dark brown shade, which is exactly what you want for this drink.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
In another small pan, mix equal parts sugar and water, and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep heating it until the liquid looks clear and slightly glossy, almost like a thin syrup. This step is important because it makes the sweetness blend smoothly into the lemonade later, without leaving any grainy texture. Let the syrup cool down before using it, so it mixes easily with the lemon juice.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemonade
Now take fresh lemons, cut them in half, and squeeze out the juice using a strainer so you don’t get seeds in the mix. Press down on the pulp to get every last drop, because that gives you the most flavor. Combine the juice with the cooled sugar syrup, and then add some cold water to balance the strength. Stir it well until it looks smooth and tastes bright but not overly sharp. At this point, you’ll have a refreshing lemonade ready to go.
Step 4: Assemble the Arnold Palmer Drink
Take a tall glass, add a few ice cubes, and place a slice of lemon inside for a nice touch. Pour the lemonade halfway up the glass, and then slowly add the iced tea on top. If you pour gently, you’ll see a layered effect where the tea sits above the lemonade, which looks really pretty. Finally, add a few mint leaves if you like, because they give a cool aroma and make the drink feel extra refreshing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is ready, serve the Arnold Palmer Drink chilled. The mix of sweet lemonade and bold tea feels balanced, and the ice keeps it crisp. It’s the kind of drink that works perfectly for summer afternoons, casual snacks, or even as a party refreshment.
💡 Note: These steps are just an overview. For detailed quantities, measurements, and exact timings to make this recipe, please check the recipe card below.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results:
Steep carefully: When making the tea for the Arnold Palmer Drink, don’t let it steep too long, because that can make the flavor bitter instead of smooth.
Cool properly: Always let the tea cool down before mixing, since adding it hot can melt the ice too quickly and make the drink watery.
Sweetness control: If you don’t want to use sugar syrup, honey or agave works fine, but make sure it dissolves well so the texture stays smooth.
Balance flavors: Taste the lemonade before mixing, because sometimes lemons can be extra sour, and adjusting with a little more water or syrup helps.
Fresh garnish: Adding mint leaves at the end makes the drink feel fresher, but don’t add them too early or they can lose their flavor.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Fruit twist: Add a splash of strawberry or raspberry puree to the lemonade for a fruity version of the Arnold Palmer Drink.
- Sparkling option: Replace part of the iced tea with sparkling water if you want a bubbly texture that feels lighter.
- Herbal swap: Try using green tea instead of black tea for a softer flavor, or even herbal teas like hibiscus for a colorful look.
- Diet-friendly: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you want to cut down on calories but still keep sweetness.
- Seasonal idea: In colder months, serve the tea warm and mix with hot lemonade for a cozy variation that feels different but still comforting.
- Party style: Add a splash of vodka to turn it into the John Daly version, which works well for adult gatherings.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Perfect for hot days:
The Arnold Palmer Drink is best served chilled with ice cubes, making it a refreshing choice when the weather feels warm and you just want something light to sip on.
2. Serve with snacks:
It pairs well with simple finger foods like sandwiches, chips, or even light salads, because the mix of tea and lemonade balances nicely with salty or savory bites.
3. Great for gatherings:
This drink works well for casual parties or family get-togethers, since you can make a big batch and serve it easily without much effort.
4. Pairs with meals:
You can also enjoy it alongside lunch dishes like grilled chicken or pasta, as the tangy lemonade and smooth tea help cut through heavier flavors.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- How long it keeps: The Arnold Palmer Drink usually stays fresh for about two to three days if you keep it properly chilled in the refrigerator.
- Best storage method: Store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container so the flavors don’t fade and the drink doesn’t pick up other smells from the fridge.
- Simple reheating advice: Since this is a cold drink, you don’t really reheat it, but if you want a warm version, you can gently heat the tea and lemonade separately and then mix them together before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I use store-bought tea or lemonade instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can, and it saves time, but making fresh tea and lemonade usually gives a better flavor.
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Can I prepare the Arnold Palmer Drink ahead of time?
You can make the tea and lemonade earlier and keep them chilled, but it’s best to mix them right before serving so the taste stays balanced.
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What if my drink tastes too bitter or too sour?
If the tea feels too strong, add more water, and if the lemonade feels too sharp, add a little extra syrup.
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Is there a way to make it lighter or diet-friendly?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute or even honey, and it still blends well with the tea and lemonade.
Arnold Palmer Drink
Description
The Arnold Palmer Drink is a refreshing mix of iced tea and lemonade, named after the famous golfer Arnold Palmer. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for hot summer days, casual snacks, or parties.
Ingredients
For Iced Tea:
For Sugar Syrup:
For Lemonade:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups water in a saucepan. Add ¼ cup black tea powder or 6 black tea bags. Steep for about 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for another 3 minutes. Strain or remove tea bags. Add 6 cups cold water to dilute. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
- In another pan, combine 2 cups sugar with 2 cups water. Heat and stir until sugar dissolves completely. Let it boil gently until the syrup looks clear and glossy. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Cut 10 medium lemons in half and squeeze out about 2 cups lemon juice using a strainer. Mix the juice with the cooled sugar syrup. Add 2 cups cold water to balance flavor. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- To serve, place ice cubes and 1 lemon slice in a tall glass. Fill halfway with lemonade mixture. Slowly pour in the chilled iced tea to create a layered effect. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Taste the lemonade before mixing; adjust sweetness or water depending on lemon sharpness.
- For a lighter version, use green tea instead of black tea.
- Store-bought iced tea and lemonade can be used for convenience.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 26
Serving Size 1 glass (~200 ml)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 78kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.02g1%
- Sodium 6mg1%
- Potassium 58mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 16g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 123 IU
- Vitamin C 22 mg
- Calcium 14 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
