The Arnold Palmer is a classic, refreshing beverage that combines the robust flavor of iced tea with the bright, tangy taste of lemonade. Named after the legendary golfer, this drink is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and lightly caffeinated refreshment. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot summer day, serving guests at a backyard gathering, or enjoying a casual afternoon treat, the Arnold Palmer is simple, delicious, and universally loved.
The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity. You can adjust the ratio of tea to lemonade to suit your taste, add fresh herbs like mint, or even a splash of fruit juice for a fun twist. With just a few ingredients, you can create a beverage that feels elegant yet is incredibly easy to make at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. The combination of strong brewed tea and zesty lemonade hits the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a satisfying drink any time of the day. It’s also caffeine-conscious, hydrating, and a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, yet still indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Why This Is a Must-Try Drink
- Refreshing and hydrating
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Can be customized to taste
- Perfect for hot days, brunches, or entertaining guests
- A timeless beverage with a fun history
Once you try this Arnold Palmer recipe, it will become your go-to homemade summer refreshment.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Beverage / Drink
- Cuisine: American / Refreshing Drink
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Brewing Time (tea): 5–10 minutes
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
- Servings: 2–4
- Calories: Approximately 80–100 calories per serving (depends on sweetener)
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or green tea, if preferred)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste) or honey
- 2 cups cold water (for lemonade)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Cooking Directions
- Brew Tea: Boil 2 cups of water and steep tea bags for 5–10 minutes depending on desired strength. Remove tea bags and let the tea cool.
- Prepare Lemonade: In a pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice, sugar or honey, and 2 cups cold water. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Combine: Mix equal parts of brewed tea and lemonade (or adjust ratio to taste).
- Serve: Pour over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
- Enjoy: Refreshing Arnold Palmer is ready to serve immediately.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Steep Tea: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Steep 2 tea bags for 5–10 minutes. Remove bags.
- Cool Tea: Let the tea reach room temperature or refrigerate for faster cooling.
- Make Lemonade: Squeeze fresh lemons to get 1 cup lemon juice. Combine with sugar and 2 cups cold water. Stir well.
- Mix Tea and Lemonade: Pour tea and lemonade in equal parts into a large pitcher. Adjust ratio if desired.
- Serve Over Ice: Fill glasses with ice and pour the Arnold Palmer.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add lemon slices and mint for visual appeal and extra flavor.
How to Serve Arnold Palmer
- Serve chilled in tall glasses with plenty of ice
- Garnish with lemon slices or wedges
- Add fresh mint leaves for aroma and presentation
- Optional: Serve with a reusable straw for a fun summer touch
Recipe Tips
- Brew the tea slightly stronger than usual to ensure flavor isn’t diluted when mixed with lemonade
- Adjust sugar or honey according to your preferred sweetness
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best taste
- Make the tea and lemonade ahead of time and chill for a more refreshing drink
- Add fruit slices like orange, lime, or berries for a colorful variation
Variations (Detailed)
Half-and-Half Arnold Palmer
Classic equal parts tea and lemonade. Adjust for sweetness or tartness.
Sweet Arnold Palmer
Add extra sugar, honey, or agave syrup for a sweeter version.
Herbal Twist
Use green tea or herbal teas like hibiscus, mint, or chamomile instead of black tea.
Fruity Variation
Add fruit juices such as cranberry, peach, or pomegranate for a colorful, flavorful twist.
Sparkling Arnold Palmer
Replace cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing version.
Low-Calorie Version
Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar to reduce calories.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigerator
- Store tea and lemonade separately in airtight containers
- Keeps for 3–4 days
- Combine and serve over ice when ready
Freezer
- Do not freeze fully mixed Arnold Palmer with ice, as ice will melt and dilute flavor
- You can freeze tea and lemonade separately in ice cube trays for flavor boosters in drinks
Special Equipment Needed
- Saucepan or kettle for boiling water
- Pitcher for mixing
- Citrus juicer or reamer for lemons
- Spoon for stirring
- Glasses and straws for serving
Conclusion
Arnold Palmer is a timeless, refreshing beverage that perfectly balances the robust flavor of tea with the tangy brightness of lemonade. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, it’s the ultimate summer drink and a perfect addition to brunches, barbecues, or casual gatherings. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful, hydrating, and delicious drink that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Arnold Palmer (Tea + Lemonade)
The Arnold Palmer is a classic, refreshing beverage that combines the robust flavor of iced tea with the bright, tangy taste of lemonade. Named after the legendary golfer, this drink is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and lightly caffeinated refreshment.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Brew Tea: Boil 2 cups of water and steep tea bags for 5–10 minutes depending on desired strength. Remove tea bags and let the tea cool.
-
Prepare Lemonade: In a pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice, sugar or honey, and 2 cups cold water. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
-
Combine: Mix equal parts of brewed tea and lemonade (or adjust ratio to taste).
-
Serve: Pour over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
-
Enjoy: Refreshing Arnold Palmer is ready to serve immediately.
