Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe
Arnold Palmer didn’t just dominate golf—he invented a drink so good it has its own Wikipedia page.
No fancy mixology, no obscure ingredients, just pure refreshment.
If you’ve never made one at home, you’re missing out on the easiest way to look like a beverage genius.
The Arnold Palmer is the MVP of two-ingredient drinks. Sweet, tart, and crisp, it’s the Goldilocks of summer sips—not too sweet, not too sour, just right.
The magic? Balancing the tea’s bitterness with the lemonade’s zing.
Skip the bottled versions; homemade lets you control the sugar and avoid that weird artificial aftertaste.
Pro tip: Use freshly brewed tea (none of that powdered nonsense) and real lemonade, not the neon-yellow stuff. Your taste buds will thank you.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (for brewing tea)
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 tall glasses or 4 modest ones (we won’t judge if you drink it all yourself)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brew the tea: Steep the tea bags in hot water for 3–5 minutes. Longer = stronger, but don’t overdo it unless you enjoy chewing your drinks.
- Cool it down: Dump the cold water into the hot tea to stop the brewing and chill it fast. No one wants lukewarm tea.
- Mix it up: In a pitcher, combine the tea and lemonade. Start with a 1:1 ratio, then tweak to taste. Prefer more tartness? Add lemonade. Like it mellow? More tea.
- Ice it: Fill glasses with ice, pour the mix over, and garnish if you’re feeling extra. Stir before sipping—unless you enjoy stratified flavors.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 80–100 (depending on lemonade sugar content)
- Carbs: 22g
- Sugar: 20g (less if you use sugar-free lemonade)
- Caffeine: 15–30mg (from the tea)
How to Store It
Keep leftovers (unlikely, but hypothetically) in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. The tea might get stronger over time, so dilute with a splash of water or lemonade before serving again. Ice it fresh—nobody likes watered-down sadness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using sun-brewed tea: Unless you love murky, bitter tea. Just boil water like a normal person.
- Skipping the taste test: Lemonade sweetness varies. Adjust the ratio unless you enjoy dental-plan-threatening sugar bombs.
- Adding ice too early: Ice melts, diluting your masterpiece. Serve it over ice, not with it.
Swaps and Upgrades
- Tea alternatives: Green tea for a lighter vibe, herbal tea for caffeine-free.
- Lemonade hacks: Add muddled berries, basil, or a splash of sparkling water for fizz.
- Spiked version: Add vodka (now it’s a John Daly—golf-themed drinking is a thing).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of lemonade?
Technically yes, but you’ll need to add sugar and water to mimic lemonade. IMO, just buy lemonade.
Why not just buy pre-made Arnold Palmer?
Because most taste like sad, watered-down nostalgia. Homemade takes 10 minutes and tastes 10x better.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Absolutely. Scale up, mix in a gallon jug, and bask in your host-of-the-year cred.
Is there a sugar-free version?
Yep. Use unsweetened tea and sugar-free lemonade. It’s not rocket science.
What’s the best tea brand?
Anything decent—Lipton, Twinings, or local favorites. Just avoid anything labeled “dust.”
Final Thoughts
The Arnold Palmer is the ultimate no-effort, high-reward drink.
It’s cheaper than Starbucks, tastier than soda, and more refreshing than your ex’s apology text.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or pretending to work from home, this recipe is your new go-to.
FYI, once you try it, there’s no going back to boring beverages.
