The Perfect Arnold Palmer Drink

There’s something special about the Arnold Palmer drink that instantly takes me back to lazy backyard afternoons and front porch chats.

I remember the first time I tried this classic—it was at a summer BBQ with my neighbors. I didn’t know what it was called then, just that it tasted like sunshine in a glass.

The perfect mix of bold black tea and tart lemonade, this drink became an instant favorite.

Over the years, I started making it at home, tweaking the tea-to-lemonade ratio until I found my sweet spot.

No fancy gear, no syrup infusions, just a cold glass of Arnold Palmer that hits the spot every single time.

What Is Arnold Palmer Drink?

The Arnold Palmer drink is a non-alcoholic beverage made by mixing iced tea and lemonade.

Named after the famous golfer who loved this combo, it’s now a go-to refresher for hot days, family gatherings, and honestly… anytime you just want something that’s not water but not soda either.

Why You’ll Love Arnold Palmer Drink?

1. No special equipment – Just basic kitchen stuff you already have

2. Fast to make – Mix and go

3. Balanced and bold – Sweet, tangy, and smooth in every sip

4. Endlessly customizable – Go sweet, go spiked, go herbal… you do you

How To Make an Arnold Palmer drink?

Recipe Overview

A cool glass of Arnold Palmer drink is made with equal parts brewed black tea and lemonade, poured over ice, and garnished with lemon and mint. It’s refreshing, easy, and always a crowd favorite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Drinks / Beverages
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 2 servings
• Calories: ~70 per serving (depending on the lemonade used)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Pitcher or large mixing bowl
• Spoon or stir stick
• Measuring cups
• Tall glasses
• Ice cube tray

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed black tea, chilled
• 1 cup lemonade, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

1. Black Tea: Go with a strong brew like English Breakfast or standard iced tea bags. Chill it completely before mixing.

2. Lemonade: Store-bought is fine, but if you’ve got fresh lemons, a homemade batch makes it brighter.

3. Mint & Lemon Slices: Optional, but they add a nice touch, especially if you’re serving guests.

Instructions

1. Brew the tea. Use about 1 tea bag per cup of hot water. Let it steep for 4–5 minutes, then chill in the fridge until cold. I like making a big batch and keeping it in a pitcher.

2. Mix it up. In a large glass or mixing bowl, combine equal parts chilled tea and lemonade. Stir well.

3. Ice it down. Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour in the Arnold Palmer mix.

4. Garnish and serve. Add a lemon slice and a sprig of mint to each glass. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~70
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Sugar: ~16g
• Sodium: ~5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Tips and Variations

1. Sweet or Unsweet? If you like your tea sweet, brew it with a little sugar or stir in honey while it’s warm.

2. Spiked Version: Want an Arnold Palmer alcoholic drink? A shot of vodka will turn this into an easy cocktail. It’s also known as the Arnold Palmer spiked or Arnold Palmer vodka drink.

3. Go Herbal: Swap out black tea with hibiscus or green tea for a twist.

4. Batch it: Hosting a party? Mix a big pitcher of tea and lemonade ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with BBQ, sandwiches, or snacks—especially salty ones.

2. Add fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or cucumber for a little twist.

3. Pour it into mason jars for a picnic vibe or fancy glasses for a brunch table.

FAQ

Final Thought

If you’ve never tried the Arnold Palmer drink, now’s the time. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to love and even easier to make.

Whether you’re sipping solo or mixing up a big batch for friends, it’s always a hit.

Tried it? Leave a comment and let me know how you liked it—or if you made your own spin! I’m all ears for fun tea and lemonade combos.