Love the combination of iced tea and lemonade? If you've ever heard of the Arnold Palmer drink, then you'll love this take on the famous drink that's sure to become your favorite summertime refresher.
Need another cool drink idea? Try my Strawberry Smoothie.
Table of contents
Why it's awesome
You'll love the flavor and convenience of this drink combination! Making it ahead is a breeze and will be perfect for you next party or get together.
Made with just 4 ingredients! You may already have these pantry staples like lemons, sugar, and tea bags on hand. Why not turn it into a refreshing beverage you'll want to sip all summer long?
It's easy to turn this Arnold Palmer drink mocktail into a cocktail! Just add some vodka or rum for the ultimate spiked libation.
Key ingredients
Lemons - fresh lemon juice will make the ultimate homemade lemonade. If time is of the essence, then substitute with pre-made lemonade or use frozen lemonade concentrate.
Sugar - used to make a simple syrup for sweetness. This is the key ingredient in making a homemade lemonade. I make it all the time and keep it in the fridge to sweeten iced tea and coffee, or to make some of my favorite cocktails.
Tea bags - I used family size black tea bags to make the iced tea. This is typically what's called an orange pekoe. It makes the tea strong enough so the tea flavor comes through. It's also quite neutral. Feel free to experiment with other types of tea, but the key will be to make it strong, so you will taste the tea, not just lemonade.
Directions
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.
Use store bought tea or lemonade for quick prep.
Adjust lemonade to tea ratio to your liking. Common ratios are 1 part lemonade to 3 parts tea and 1 part lemonade to 1 part tea, also known as “half and half.”
For spiked Arnold Palmers, fill a tall glass with ice. Add ¾ ounce vodka, ½ cup lemonade, and ½ cup tea. Stir vigorously. Light or dark rum works nicely too!
FAQ
Vodka is typically used to make spiked Arnold Palmers. Rum can also be used, or gin as well. If you want a Southern style drink, try it with bourbon. Using tequila will give it a Mexican inspired spin.
It's named after the famous golfer who was known to ask for a drink mixture of iced tea and lemonade at various golf clubs. He is credited for being the inventor of the drink.
Black tea such as orange pekoe is the best neutral tea for Arnold Palmers.
Tastes great with these recipes
Iced Tea Lemonade
Equipment
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
Nutrition
This Arnold Palmer Drink was originally posted on Tornadough Alli.
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