The Arnold Palmer drink recipe is the perfect mix of iced tea and lemonade that makes a crisp, refreshing drink. Growing up in Augusta, Georgia, home of the Masters, this was always the drink served on hot summer days or after a long round of golf. It took a few trials, but I have learned just the right ratio, and you can easily adjust the sweetness or turn it into an Arnold Palmer mixed drink, perfect for parties or relaxing on the front porch.
What’s The Story?
Arnold Palmer tells us it was really just by accident that he created this drink he is now famous for. One day in the late 1960s, after designing a course in Palm Springs, Arnold Palmer ordered a mix of lemonade and iced tea from a waitress while ordering lunch. A woman sitting nearby heard what he ordered and said, “I’ll have an Arnold Palmer drink.”
Ingredient Information
There are only a few simple ingredients to make the perfect Arnold Palmer drink.
- Black Tea: Use classic black tea, or try Orange Pekoe for a smooth taste.
- Lemonade: Fresh-squeezed is best, but a high-quality store-bought version works too.
- Sugar: Adjust based on your sweetness preference, or swap for stevia for a low-sugar version.
- Ice: Essential for keeping the drink perfectly chilled.
- Lemon Slices & Mint (Optional): Adds an extra refreshing touch.
How To Make An Arnold Palmer Recipe
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the tea bags to the hot water. Let them steep for about 5 minutes.
- After steeping, remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the hot tea, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Pour the sweet tea into a plastic pitcher and add the lemonade. Stir to combine.
- Chill the tea-and-lemonade mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve our Arnold Palmer iced tea over ice in tall glasses, and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Tips For Serving
- Use fresh-brewed tea for the best taste, and always keep your tea refrigerated after making it.
- Chill before serving and then pour over ice.
- Try flavored teas like peach or green tea for tasty variations.
Big Batch Arnold Palmer Drink For A Party
When making a big batch of Arnold Palmer iced tea for a party, you’ll need to adjust the ingredients accordingly. This recipe makes 1.5 quarts.
Arnold Palmer tea drink = 2 gallons of tea per 25 guests
Arnold Palmer cocktail = 1 1/2 drinks per guest each hour
Party Tip: Make your tea and lemonade the day of the party. Tea, especially sweetened tea, is best consumed the day it is made.
Arnold Palmer Mixed Drink Variations
A classic Arnold Palmer drink is a refreshingly simple summertime mocktail. However, the drink also makes a great base for delicious cocktails.
John Daly (Spiked Arnold Palmer Half and Half)
This cocktail is light and refreshing, but be cautious as it’s deceptively smooth.
- 6 ounces Arnold Palmer drink
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
Stir well and serve over ice.
Peachy Arnold Palmer 🍑
- 6 ounces Arnold Palmer drink
- 1 ounce bourbon
- ½ ounce peach liqueur
- 5 fresh peach slices
Mix liquids in a tall glass and stir well. Add peach slices and ice. Serve with a slice of peach on the side of the glass.
Masters Party Watch Party Food Menu
If you’re watching the Masters, this drink is a must. It is simple to make ahead, easy to serve, and fits right in with classic Augusta traditions. Pair it with a Masters party food menu and a few fun golf-themed touches to create an easy, welcoming gathering.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help! If you enjoy making this recipe, be sure to let us know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. Also, snap a photo and tag @intentionalhospitality on Instagram.💛 I love seeing your creations!
Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 3 teabags tea, family-sized tea bags or 6 regular-sized tea bags
- 1 cup sugar, more if you like it sweeter or make it unsweet like Arnold drinks it. I like to make it a diet Arnold Palmer by adding stevia.
- 3 cups lemonade, fresh made or good quality store bought
- Ice
Instructions
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.3 cups water
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 minutes.3 teabags tea
- After steeping, remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the hot tea, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.1 cup sugar
- Pour the sweet tea into a plastic pitcher and add the lemonade. Stir to combine.3 cups lemonade
- Chill the tea and lemonade mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve our Arnold Palmor iced tea over ice in tall glasses, and garnish with lemon slices if desired.Ice