The Arnold Palmer drink combines iced tea and lemonade combine into an iconic refreshing beverage! Here’s how to make one…or a pitcher.
![Arnold palmer drink](jpg/arnold-palmer-drink-002.jpg)
Here’s an iconic drink that’s more than the sum of its parts: the Arnold Palmer! It’s simple, but somehow the mix of zingy lemonade and earthy iced tea became legendary. There’s nothing like it on a hot day! This drink is perfectly festive and works well as a party drink or mocktail. Or, you can also make it into a cocktail by spiking it with vodka (which then makes it…a John Daly).
What’s an Arnold Palmer drink?
The Arnold Palmer is a drink invented in the 1960’s that combines iced tea and lemonade, named for the professional golfer Arnold Palmer. Apparently Palmer himself loved the combination and ordered it often, and after a woman ordered “that Palmer drink” the name was born. This classic drink went on to worldwide popularity as a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, especially popular with the golfing crowd.
How to make an Arnold Palmer drink
There’s no need for a recipe for an Arnold Palmer drink: you just need to know the ratio! What’s the ratio for an Arnold Palmer drink?
- 3 parts unsweetened iced tea
- 1 part lemonade
This is just the basic recipe: but it does the job! Of course, there are lots of ways to step it up. For example, homemade lemonade makes this drink sparkle. Here are some ideas!
![Arnold Palmer drink](jpg/arnold-palmer-drink-010.jpg)
Ways to step it up: homemade lemonade and more
How to make the best Arnold Palmer drink? There are a few ways to take this drink to a new level. Here are a few ways to make a better Arnold Palmer:
- Make homemade lemonade! All you need is fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir together ½ ounce each lemon juice and simple syrup with 2 ounces water to make enough for 1 drink.
- Consider homemade iced tea. Why not make it with this delicious iced tea recipe?
- Squeeze in fresh lemon. Add a pop more of flavor with a few squeezes of your lemon wedge garnishes.
- Serve with clear ice. Clear ice is crystal clear artisan style ice you can make at home and chop into large organic shapes. It makes a drink look—and taste—infinitely better.
- Add a mint sprig garnish. Everything is better with a great garnish!
Variations on the Arnold Palmer
There are several variations on the Arnold Palmer: some well known and other more creative takes. Here are a few ideas:
- Half and Half: Make it with half iced tea and half lemonade.
- John Daley: Reduce to 2 ounces iced tea and use 2 ounces vodka
- Lavender Palmer: Swap the lemonade for Lavender Lemonade
- Sparkling Palmer: Try Sparkling Lemonade for a bubbly twist
- Pink Palmer: Make it with Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, or Pink Lemonade!
![Arnold Palmer drink](jpg/arnold-palmer-drink-003.jpg)
Or, make a spiked Arnold Palmer!
Want to make a spiked Arnold Palmer? There’s the John Daley, where you use almost equal parts of iced tea, lemonade, and vodka. But you can also just spike your drink! Here are a few ideas — reduce the iced tea to 6 ounces and add:
- 2 to 3 ounces vodka
- 2 to 3 ounces gin
- 2 to 3 ounces white rum
Try an Arnold Palmer pitcher
Serving a crowd? You can make an Arnold Palmer pitcher! Simply combine 3 parts iced tea with 1 part lemonade in whatever quantity you need. For example, add 6 cups iced tea and 2 cups lemonade for 8 1-cup servings. Garnish with mint and lemon wheels, and serve!
More iced tea recipes
Love iced tea? Here are a few more tasty tea recipes:
- Try the basic and delicious Iced Tea Recipe
- Go for quick and easy Cold Brew Tea
- Opt for Classic Sweet Tea
- Try the real Long Island Iced Tea (not really iced tea at all…!)
![Arnold palmer drink](jpg/arnold-palmer-drink-002-368x368.jpg)
The Arnold Palmer
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
The Arnold Palmer drink combines iced tea and lemonade combine into an iconic refreshing beverage! Here’s how to make one…or a pitcher.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) lemonade or fresh lemon juice and simple syrup (see below)
- 9 ounces (~1 cup) unsweetened iced tea*
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
- For the garnish: Mint sprig, lemon wedges
Instructions
- If making homemade lemonade, stir together ½ ounce fresh lemon juice, 2 ounces water, and ½ ounce simple syrup in the highball glass.
- Add the lemonade to ice-filled highball glass. Pour iced tea on top and stir to combine. If desired, garnish with fresh mint.
- Pitcher (6 to 8 servings): Combine 6 cups unsweetened iced tea and 2 cups lemonade in a pitcher. Garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Notes
*You can use less iced tea for a sweeter drink. To make a spiked Arnold Palmer (John Daly), decrease the iced tea to 3 ounces or less, and add 2 to 3 ounces vodka or gin. You can also use sparkling lemonade for another variation.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Drinks
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Arnold Palmer drink, What is an Arnold Palmer drink
Let us know if you have any questions!
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