The Arnold Palmer is a delightful beverage made from iced tea and lemonade, striking a sweet yet tangy balance, often featuring caffeine. Whether you customize with homemade tea and lemonade or opt for store-bought versions, creating this drink is quick and simple.
Adjust your Arnold Palmer to suit your preferences. Whether you desire more tea or extra sweetness, changing the ratios to your liking will still yield the distinctive character of this drink.
What Is an Arnold Palmer?
Named after its creator, professional golfer Arnold Palmer, this drink originated when Palmer requested his wife to mix a splash of lemonade into his iced tea, a combination he enjoyed so much that he began ordering it frequently. In the 1960s, other customers noticed and soon the drink became popular.
The Arnold Palmer Ratio
Arnold Palmer’s original mixture involved a small amount of lemonade, with an approximate 8:1 ratio of iced tea to lemonade. However, most restaurants today serve it as a 1:1 mix, resulting in a sweeter drink. Personally, I prefer a ratio of 1 part lemonade to 2 parts iced tea, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
The Best Tea for an Arnold Palmer
The tea used plays a central role in the drink. Common black teas like Assam, Ceylon, and Darjeeling offer varied flavors. Assam delivers boldness, complementing the lemonade well, whereas Ceylon provides a softer, fruity flavor. Darjeeling offers a balance between the two.
The Best Lemonade for an Arnold Palmer
When making lemonade, I prefer a tart flavor to balance the sweetness. Eureka lemons are my go-to choice, although a combination with Meyer lemons can make a naturally sweeter lemonade. I use organic cane sugar for a richer color, but feel free to try superfine or granulated sugar for a brighter option.
Variations on the Arnold Palmer
Once you’ve mastered a standard Arnold Palmer, explore some exciting variations:
- Add Mint: Enhance by adding mint-infused simple syrup.
- Swap Tea Types: Try green tea like sencha or jasmine, or use herbal teas like cold-brewed hibiscus flowers.
- Add Alcohol: Introduce a little whiskey or tequila for a boozy version.
Cold Drinks for a Hot Day
Adjust the tea to lemonade ratio as desired. Using the provided recipes, you can prepare eight Arnold Palmers at once or mix individual servings.
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Ingredients for a Single Arnold Palmer
- 1/2 cup black iced tea
- 1/4 cup lemonade
- Optional garnish: Lemon slices
Ingredients for Homemade Black Iced Tea
- 1/2 cup (29 g) Assam tea
- 4 cups cold water
Ingredients for Homemade Lemonade
- 1 pound lemons, about 4 medium
- 1 1/2 cups water, divided
- 1/2 cup sugar
To Make an Arnold Palmer
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Combine Ingredients:
Fill a glass 2/3 full with ice, pour in the black iced tea and lemonade, and stir.
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Garnish:
Add lemon slices as desired.
To Make Homemade Black Iced Tea and Lemonade
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Cold Brew Tea Leaves:
Combine tea leaves and water in a nonreactive container, refrigerate for 8-12 hours. Strain into a pitcher.
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Juice Lemons:
Squeeze lemons to yield 1/2 cup juice. Set aside.
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Prepare Simple Syrup:
In a saucepan, dissolve sugar in water over medium heat, cool to room temperature.
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Combine Ingredients for Lemonade:
Mix cooled syrup, remaining water, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Refrigerate or serve immediately.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 26 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 7g | Carbs |
