Quench your thirst with the perfect summer beverage: the Arnold Palmer. This classic drink, named after the legendary golfer, is a refreshing blend of iced tea and lemonade that hits the spot on a hot day. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ, our easy Arnold Palmer recipe will become your go-to for a delicious, thirst-quenching treat.
This recipe combines my Iced Tea recipe with my homemade lemonade. Two summer classics that when combined give you an insanely refreshing drink!

Why You’ll Love This Arnold Palmer Drink
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.
- Versatile: The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit personal taste preferences, such as making it sweeter or more tart, or even adding a splash of alcohol for an adult version.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a non-alcoholic beverage that kids and adults alike can enjoy, making it a great choice for family gatherings.
- Perfect for Entertaining: The Arnold Palmer is a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent drink to serve at parties, BBQs, and picnics.
The Arnold Palmer drink, a refreshing blend of iced tea and lemonade, was popularized by the legendary American golfer Arnold Palmer in the 1960s. Palmer frequently requested this unique mix of beverages at country clubs and golf courses. As he became more famous, fans and fellow golfers began ordering “an Arnold Palmer” to emulate their idol’s favorite drink. The drink’s popularity soared, and it became an iconic American beverage, synonymous with leisurely afternoons and summer refreshment. Today, the Arnold Palmer remains a beloved drink, celebrating the legacy of one of golf’s greatest figures.
My brother introduced me to this drink. It’s dangerously addicting. Good news is it’s equally easy to make! I almost always keep iced tea and lemonade on hand to whip up a batch when the mood strikes. It’s the most delightful blend of tea and lemonade that quenches your thirst while taking your taste buds on a flavor journey!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I admit, I feel like this recipe is a little bit of a cheat. It only calls for TWO ingredients. So what do you need?
- Iced Tea: Typically, black tea is used, but you can also use green tea or herbal tea depending on your preference. I use my iced tea recipe. You can adjust it to be slightly stronger or more mild per your preference.
- Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade is preferred for the best flavor, but store-bought lemonade can also be used. If you’re looking for something a little lighter pick up lite lemonade. You’ll be looking at less than 20 calories per cup!
The traditional ratio is half iced tea and half lemonade, but you can adjust it to taste.
Like this recipe? You will love my Sparkling Sweet Tea, Strawberry Balsamic Spritzer, and Mango Green Tea Lemonade!
Easy Arnold Palmer Recipe
- Prepare the Iced Tea: Chill store-bought or brew your favorite iced tea (black tea is traditional) and let it cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate the tea until it is chilled.
- Prepare the Lemonade: Chill store-bought lemonade, or if making homemade lemonade, prepare according to the recipe and chill.
- Combine the Tea and Lemonade: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour 1 cup of iced tea into the glass. Add 1 cup of lemonade to the glass. Stir gently to combine the tea and lemonade.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Arnold Palmer!
Tips:
- Adjust the ratio of tea to lemonade to suit your taste. Some prefer more tea, while others like a stronger lemonade flavor.
- For a sparkling version, use sparkling water or club soda in the lemonade.
Expert Recipe Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly brewed tea and freshly squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor. Avoid using pre-made mixes for a more authentic taste.
- Balance the Flavors: The classic Arnold Palmer is half iced tea and half lemonade, but feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add more lemonade, or more tea if you like it less sweet.
- Sweeten to Taste: If you need to sweeten your drink, use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. It blends more easily with the cold liquid.
- Chill Everything: Make sure both the tea and the lemonade are well chilled before mixing. This ensures your drink is refreshingly cold and doesn’t require too much ice, which can dilute the flavors.
- Choose the Right Tea: Black tea is traditional, but you can experiment with green tea, herbal tea, or flavored teas to add a unique twist.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a lemon slice or a sprig of mint to your glass for a refreshing garnish and a bit of extra flavor.
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Arnold Palmer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup iced tea
- 1/2 cup lemonade
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.Â
- Add 1 cup of lemonade to the glass.
- Pour 1 cup of iced tea into the glass.
- Stir gently to combine the tea and lemonade.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Arnold Palmer!
Nutrition
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