There’s nothing quite like the first sip of an ice-cold Arnold Palmer Drink on a sweltering summer day! This perfect balance of tangy lemonade and refreshing iced tea has been my go-to drink for backyard gatherings for years, and it always disappears fast. The best part? You can whip it up in just minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
Have you ever wondered who came up with this brilliant combination? Named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, this drink has become an American classic. The contrast between the bright, zingy lemonade and the smooth, mellow tea creates a refreshment that’s more satisfying than either drink on its own. My family loves that you can easily adjust the ratio to suit everyone’s taste preferences, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing beverage for any occasion.
What is an Arnold Palmer Drink?
An Arnold Palmer is a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that combines lemonade and iced tea. The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity and versatility. While traditionally made with unsweetened iced tea and regular lemonade, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
I first fell in love with this drink during a family picnic years ago, and it’s been a staple in our refrigerator ever since. There’s something magical about how the tangy citrus cuts through the earthy tea notes, creating the perfect balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more!
Ingredients
For one perfect 6-ounce Arnold Palmer drink, you’ll need:
- 2 ounces lemonade
- 4 ounces unsweetened iced tea
- Ice (enough to fill your glass)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely touch!)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Glass (short or tall, depending on your preference)
- Measuring cup or jigger (for precise ratios)
- Stirring spoon
- Pitcher (if making a larger batch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1- Fill your glass with ice. Don’t skimp here – a generous amount of ice keeps your Arnold Palmer perfectly chilled from first sip to last. You can use a short rocks glass or a tall highball glass, whichever you prefer!
2- Top with unsweetened iced tea. Slowly pour 4 ounces of your favorite unsweetened iced tea over the lemonade. This careful pouring creates a beautiful layered effect that’s not only Instagram-worthy but also allows you to control how much you mix the flavors.
3- Pour in the lemonade. Add 2 ounces of lemonade to your ice-filled glass. (For the best flavor, I recommend using freshly squeezed lemonade, but store-bought works wonderfully too!)
4- Stir gently to combine. Give your drink a light stir to incorporate the lemonade and tea. I like to stir just enough to blend the flavors while still maintaining some of that gorgeous layered look.
5- Garnish your creation. Add a slice of lemon, some fresh mint leaves, or even fresh fruit for a beautiful finishing touch that enhances both the aroma and the visual appeal of your drink.
Yield
Serves: 1 (6-ounce serving)
Prep Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per 6-ounce serving:
- Calories: 26 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Sugar: 6g
Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients used, especially if you prepare homemade lemonade with different sweeteners.
What’s the Best Arnold Palmer Ratio?
This is where the real fun begins! The “perfect” ratio for an Arnold Palmer comes down to personal preference. In our house, we have some serious opinions about this! Here are the most popular ratios to try:
1:1 Ratio (Half and Half)
Fill your glass half with lemonade and half with tea. This creates the most balanced flavor profile and is what most people think of as a traditional Arnold Palmer. My husband swears by this classic approach!
1:2 Ratio (One-Third Lemonade)
Fill the glass ⅓ of the way with lemonade, then top with tea. This is my personal favorite – you still get that bright lemon flavor but with a more pronounced tea backbone.
1:3 Ratio (One-Quarter Lemonade)
Fill the glass ¼ full of lemonade, then top with tea. This ratio is perfect if you love tea but want just a hint of lemon brightness. My sister prefers this less sweet version for everyday sipping.
The ratio you choose depends on how sweet you like your drinks. If you’re using unsweetened iced tea (which I recommend), it helps balance the sweetness of the lemonade beautifully. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, stick with the half-and-half ratio or use even less tea.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the things I love most about the Arnold Palmer is how easily you can put your spin on it! Here are some of our favorite variations:
- Winnie Palmer: Use sweet tea instead of unsweetened tea for an extra sweet treat. This variation was named after Arnold Palmer’s wife!
- John Daly / Spiked Arnold Palmer: Add 1½ ounces of vodka and shake it up in a cocktail shaker for an adult version. This has become our Friday evening ritual during the summer months! You could also use rum or limoncello for different flavor profiles.
- Sugar-free Arnold Palmer: Use your favorite sugar-free sweetener, such as Stevia, to make your own lemonade and iced tea. This is perfect if you’re watching your sugar intake but still want to enjoy this refreshing classic.
- Arnold Palmer Punch: Multiply the recipe and serve it in a large pitcher to make a big batch for parties. This is my go-to for summer gatherings – I can make it ahead, and everyone helps themselves!
- Flavored Arnold Palmer: Add some pizzazz by using flavored lemonade or a flavorful iced tea. Raspberry lemonade with black tea makes an incredible combination that’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
What’s the secret to the perfect Arnold Palmer?
The real secret lies in using quality ingredients! Here are my best tips for creating the most refreshing drink:
- Use freshly brewed tea whenever possible. I like to make a big batch in the morning and refrigerate it for a perfect afternoon refreshment.
- Brew your tea a bit stronger than usual if you plan to mix it with lemonade and ice, as dilution will occur.
- Chill everything thoroughly before mixing. Room temperature ingredients will melt the ice too quickly and dilute your drink.
- Consider making ice cubes from tea or lemonade instead of water. This prevents your drink from becoming watered down as the ice melts!
- Fresh lemon garnish isn’t just pretty – it adds wonderful aromatics that enhance the drinking experience.
Storage and Serving Instructions
If you’re making a big batch of Arnold Palmer, you can store it in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after the first day, making it even better!
I recommend not adding ice to the storage container, but rather to individual glasses when serving. This keeps the drink from becoming diluted.
For a special presentation, serve your Arnold Palmer in mason jars with paper straws and fresh lemon wheels – it’s a simple touch that makes everyone feel special!
FAQ
Can I make my Arnold Palmer with store-bought lemonade and iced tea?
Absolutely! While homemade components offer the freshest flavor, good quality store-bought options work wonderfully too. I often keep some on hand for quick refreshment when unexpected guests drop by.
How do I make this drink for a crowd?
I multiply the recipe using the same ratios for a party and prepare it in a large pitcher or drink dispenser. For 8 servings (48 ounces), you would need 16 ounces of lemonade and 32 ounces of iced tea. Serve it with a separate ice bucket so guests can add as much or as little ice as they prefer.
Is an Arnold Palmer caffeinated?
If you use regular black or green tea, then yes, your drink will contain some caffeine. For a caffeine-free version, simply use decaffeinated tea or herbal tea like rooibos, which pairs beautifully with lemonade!
What type of tea works best for an Arnold Palmer?
Traditional Arnold Palmers use black tea, but don’t be afraid to experiment! I’ve made delicious versions with green tea, herbal teas, and even floral varieties like hibiscus. Each brings its character to the drink.
The Perfect Summer Refreshment
So there you have it, the perfect Arnold Palmer drink that combines the best of two classic beverages into one refreshing treat! This simple recipe has been a lifesaver during hot summer days and has become my signature offering when hosting outdoor gatherings. The beautiful thing about this iced tea lemonade combination is that it’s both sophisticated enough for adults and appealing to kids – truly a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Next time you’re looking for something special to serve (or just need to quench your thirst), remember this perfect Arnold Palmer recipe. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to refresh!
Don’t forget to check out my other refreshing summer drink recipes like Butterfly Pea Tea Recipe!
Print
Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1 (6 oz) 1x
Description
Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe (Refreshing Iced Tea Lemonade)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces lemonade
- 4 ounces unsweetened iced tea
- Ice (enough to fill your glass)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely touch!)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill your glass with ice. Don’t skimp here – a generous amount of ice keeps your Arnold Palmer perfectly chilled from first sip to last. You can use a short rocks glass or a tall highball glass, whichever you prefer!
- Pour in the lemonade. Add 2 ounces of lemonade to your ice-filled glass. (For the best flavor, I recommend using freshly squeezed lemonade, but store-bought works wonderfully too!)
- Top with unsweetened iced tea. Slowly pour 4 ounces of your favorite unsweetened iced tea over the lemonade. This careful pouring creates a beautiful layered effect that’s not only Instagram-worthy but also allows you to control how much you mix the flavors.
- Stir gently to combine. Give your drink a light stir to incorporate the lemonade and tea. I like to stir just enough to blend the flavors while still maintaining some of that gorgeous layered look.
- Garnish your creation. Add a slice of lemon, some fresh mint leaves, or even fresh fruit for a beautiful finishing touch that enhances both the aroma and the visual appeal of your drink.
Notes
- 1:1 Ratio (Half and Half)
- Fill your glass half with lemonade and half with tea. This creates the most balanced flavor profile and is what most people think of as a traditional Arnold Palmer. My husband swears by this classic approach!
- 1:2 Ratio (One-Third Lemonade)
- Fill the glass ⅓ of the way with lemonade, then top with tea. This is my personal favorite – you still get that bright lemon flavor but with a more pronounced tea backbone.
- 1:3 Ratio (One-Quarter Lemonade)
- Fill the glass ¼ full of lemonade, then top with tea. This ratio is perfect if you love tea but want just a hint of lemon brightness. My sister prefers this less sweet version for everyday sipping.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 26 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
