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.

Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe – Refreshing Iced Tea Lemonade

Description

Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe (Refreshing Iced Tea Lemonade)

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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