This classic Arnold Palmer drink combines fresh lemonade and iced tea into a refreshing beverage that's perfect for backyard BBQs, game day, or relaxing on the golf course.
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Table of contents
Why you'll love it
Named after American golfer Arnold Palmer, this non-alcoholic drink achieves the perfect balance of sweet and tart. My version uses simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store.
I make homemade lemonade with fresh lemons and simple syrup, then blend it with black tea for that signature half lemonade, half tea ratio. Want a dirty Arnold Palmer? I've got you covered with a spiked variation using your favorite vodka or sweet tea vodka. You can even add a splash of bourbon for a John Daly cocktail twist. And if you love citrusy cocktails, try my Texas Margarita next!
Ingredients and substitutions
Tea:
- Family sized tea bags - Use your preferred black tea (mine is Luzianne). For a quicker option, swap in store-bought unsweetened ice tea.
- Water - filtered water for the best taste.
Lemonade:
- Water - filtered water for the best taste.
- Sugar- white sugar is standard for the cleanest taste, but for a richer flavor, try Demerara or turbinado sugar (raw sugar).
- Fresh lemon juice - squeeze from fresh lemons for best results. In a pinch, use store-bought lemonade to skip this step entirely. I used yellow lemons, but Meyer lemons would be a great alternative.
- Lemon slices or lemon wedges for garnish or use a lemon wheel. A sprig of fresh mint is also a nice touch.
How to Make the Arnold Palmer Drink
First, make the tea: Boil 2 cups of water. Add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
Add remaining 2 cups of water, stir, then refrigerate to cool completely.
Then make the simple syrup and lemonade: In a small saucepan, add sugar to 1 cup water over medium heat, stirring to dissolve. When cooled, add remaining water and lemon juice. Stir, then refrigerate to cool completely.
Now we can make the iced tea lemonade!
In a large pitcher, combine tea and lemonade together. Pour into ice filled glasses.
Makes 7 cups.
Recipe tips
Allow about 4 hours for homemade tea and lemonade to cool in the fridge. Or cool overnight.
Variations
Spiked Arnold Palmer
For a dirty Arnold Palmer, fill a rocks glass with ice. Add 1½ ounces of your favorite vodka or sweet tea vodka. Pour in ½ cup lemonade and ½ cup tea. Stir well and garnish with a lemon wheel.
John Daly Cocktail
Named after the legendary golfer, this version swaps vodka for bourbon. Mix 1½ ounces bourbon with ½ cup lemonade and ½ cup tea over ice. Add a splash of bourbon on top for extra kick.
Lavender Honey Arnold Palmer
Replace the simple syrup with lavender honey syrup. Combine ¾ cup honey with 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons dried lavender in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, strain, and cool. Use this fragrant syrup in place of the sugar when making your lemonade for a floral twist.
If you're looking for another fruit forward cocktail, try my Prosecco Mimosas too!
FAQ
Black tea such as orange pekoe is the best neutral tea for Arnold Palmers.
Absolutely! Store-bought lemonade and unsweetened ice tea work great for quick prep. This shortcut gets your Arnold Palmer ready in minutes instead of waiting 4 hours for homemade versions to cool.
The classic ratio is 1 part lemonade to 1 part tea, also known as "half and half." Some prefer 1 part lemonade to 3 parts tea for a less sweet drink. Adjust to your taste preference.
Quality vodka or sweet tea vodka works best for a dirty Arnold Palmer. Sweet tea vodka adds extra flavor that complements the tea perfectly. Use 1½ ounces per drink for the ideal strength.
How to store
Tastes best the day it's made, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a couple days. For best results, keep the tea and lemonade separate and mix just before serving.
📖 Recipe
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Iced Tea Lemonade
Ingredients
Tea
- 2 family sized tea bags
- 4 cups water divided
Lemonade
- 3 cups water divided
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice about 5 juicy lemons
- Lemon slices or wedges for serving.
Instructions
Tea
- Boil 2 cups of water. Add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining 2 cups of water, stir, then refrigerate to cool completely.
Lemonade
- In a small saucepan, add sugar to 1 cup water over medium heat, stirring to dissolve. When cooled, add remaining water and lemon juice. Stir, then refrigerate to cool completely.
- In a large pitcher, combine tea and lemonade together. Pour into ice filled glasses.
- Makes 7 cups.
Notes
- Allow about 4 hours for homemade tea and lemonade to cool in the fridge. Or cool overnight.
- Use store bought tea or lemonade for quick prep.
Nutrition
This Arnold Palmer Drink was originally posted on Tornadough Alli.
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