Arnold Palmer
A famously refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, the Arnold Palmer is a simple yet perfect blend of iced tea and lemonade, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and earthy flavors.
What is this drink?
The Arnold Palmer is named after the legendary American golfer who famously ordered this combination at restaurants — equal parts unsweetened iced tea and lemonade poured over ice. It's the most beloved non-alcoholic summer beverage in American culture.
Why you'll love it
The pairing is perfect — the earthy, slightly bitter iced tea balances the sweet-tart lemonade into something greater than either alone. It's endlessly refreshing, not too sweet, and universally appealing.
When to serve
Ideal for outdoor meals, golf outings, backyard barbecues, summer lunches, or any warm-weather occasion where a clean, refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink is needed.
Pro tip
Use freshly brewed, unsweetened black tea — the slightly bitter, tannin-forward character of real brewed tea is essential for balancing the sweetness of the lemonade.
Unsweetened Iced Tea
The earthy, slightly bitter backbone — freshly brewed black tea delivers the tannin depth and clean flavor that store-bought concentrate cannot match.
Fresh Lemonade
The bright, sweet-tart counterpart — homemade lemonade from real lemons provides the vibrant citrus flavor that elevates this drink above a simple half-and-half.
Swap Options
Green tea creates a lighter, more delicate version. Peach iced tea adds a fruity sweetness. Sparkling water can replace some of the lemonade for a lighter, fizzy variation. For a 'John Daly,' add a shot of vodka or sweet tea vodka.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare glass with ice
Fill a tall glass (like a highball or pint glass) generously with 1 serving of ice.
Tips:
- •More ice keeps the drink colder for longer, especially on a warm day.
Add iced tea
Pour 6 ounces (180 ml) of chilled unsweetened iced tea over the ice.
Tips:
- •Use freshly brewed tea for the best flavor. Black tea is traditional, but green tea can also be used.
Add lemonade
Pour 6 ounces (180 ml) of chilled lemonade into the glass, topping off the tea.
Tips:
- •Homemade lemonade is ideal, but a good quality store-bought lemonade works too. Adjust the sweetness based on your lemonade.
Stir and garnish
Stir gently to combine the tea and lemonade. Garnish with 1 lemon slice on the rim or in the drink. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- •Stir just enough to mix; over-stirring isn't necessary.
Flavor Profile
Alcohol Content
Fun Fact
Bartender's Tips
- Adjust the ratio of iced tea to lemonade to your personal preference; common ratios are 1:1, 2:1 tea to lemonade, or 1:2 tea to lemonade.
- For a 'Spiked Arnold Palmer', add a shot of vodka, bourbon, or gin.
- Ensure both the iced tea and lemonade are very cold for optimal refreshment.
- You can brew a stronger tea if you prefer a more pronounced tea flavor.
Different ways to make this drink your own
John Daly
Add a shot (50ml) of vodka or sweet tea vodka to the classic Arnold Palmer for an alcoholic version named after the colourful American golfer. The vodka integrates seamlessly — the drink tastes remarkably similar to the original but with a clear spirit kick.
Peach Arnold Palmer
Brew a pot of peach-flavoured iced tea as the base for a sweeter, more fruity Arnold Palmer with a lovely stone-fruit character that works particularly well in summer. Peach juice can be stirred in if peach tea is unavailable.
Green Tea Arnold Palmer
Substitute classic black tea with freshly brewed and chilled green tea for a lighter, more delicate, slightly more grassy Arnold Palmer. The green tea's subtle sweetness and lower tannin content makes for a particularly refined, gentle version.
Tools that make this drink come together
Teapot or Saucepan
Used to brew a strong batch of tea that will hold its flavour when poured over ice. Brew the tea slightly stronger than you would for drinking hot — the ice and lemonade dilute it considerably, so a more concentrated brew gives a better-balanced finished drink.
Citrus Juicer
A manual or electric citrus press extracts maximum juice from lemons for the freshly made lemonade component. Fresh-squeezed lemonade rather than carton juice makes a dramatic flavour difference in an Arnold Palmer.
Large Jug or Pitcher
A 1.5 to 2 litre glass pitcher holds a batch of combined tea and lemonade for serving multiple glasses. Pre-mix the components in the pitcher and serve over ice from it for an effortless, visually appealing presentation.
Can't Find These?
Any large mug or pot brews the tea. A fork pressed hard on a halved lemon extracts juice without a proper juicer. Any large container holds the batch. A ladle or measuring jug portions the drink into individual glasses.
The right glass makes a real difference
Tall Highball Glass or Mason Jar
An Arnold Palmer is classically served in a tall highball glass or a wide-mouthed mason jar packed generously with ice. The large volume accommodates the generous proportion of iced tea and lemonade. A lemon wheel on the rim and a sprig of mint inside the glass give it a fresh, summery appearance that matches the drink's relaxed, outdoor character.
Alternatives
A wide tumbler works well for a more casual serve. A Collins glass is slightly taller and works equally well. A lidded mason jar with a straw is enormously popular for this style of drink and gives an informal, American diner aesthetic that suits the Arnold Palmer perfectly.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Club Sandwich
A generous club sandwich with chicken, bacon, and avocado on toasted bread is a classic American diner pairing for an Arnold Palmer. The rich, satisfying layers of flavour are perfectly refreshed by the tart lemonade and sweet tea.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
The citrus notes of a lemon muffin echo the Arnold Palmer's lemonade component beautifully. Light, summery, and satisfying without being heavy, making them ideal alongside this refreshing drink.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with grilled chicken provides a savoury, satisfying lunch that pairs wonderfully with the Arnold Palmer's sweet-tart, refreshing character. A natural outdoor dining combination.
Shortbread with Lemon Curd
Buttery shortbread fingers with a tangy lemon curd echo the citrus in the lemonade component and provide a satisfying, sweet companion to the drink's gentle tannin from the tea.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Brew and Chill the Tea
Brew a strong batch of black tea — use two to three teabags per 500ml — and refrigerate for at least two hours before combining with lemonade. Well-chilled tea poured over ice doesn't dilute as rapidly as warm tea, giving a more consistently flavoured drink.
Make Lemonade the Night Before
Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water, cooled) and refrigerate overnight. The lemonade base keeps well for 48 hours and is ready to combine with iced tea the moment it's needed.
Pre-Mix the Batch
Combine the iced tea and lemonade in the correct 1:1 ratio in a large sealed jug and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. When guests arrive, simply pour over ice — the batch stays well-balanced and fresh for a full day.
Prepare Lemon Garnishes
Slice lemon wheels and prepare mint sprigs up to two hours before serving. Keep lemon slices in a covered bowl and mint sprigs in a cup of cold water — both stay fresh, attractive, and aromatic far longer than if left out uncovered.
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