The Perfect Arnold Palmer

A refreshing mix of sweet lemonade and bold iced tea, this Arnold Palmer is the best drink for a hot Southern afternoon.

The Drink That Never Goes Out of Style

An Arnold Palmer is the kind of drink that cools you off faster than sweet tea on a porch swing in July!

Half lemonade, half iced tea, it’s named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer himself, who famously ordered this “half and half” blend after a long day on the course. The lemonade gives that crisp zing, while the black tea brings a mellow depth that keeps it from tasting too sugary.

This refreshing beverage has been a Southern staple for decades, showing up everywhere from golf clubs to backyard cookouts. For a non-alcoholic beverage, it feels pretty darn classy! (much like this Tropical Pink Mocktail!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Black tea bags (or loose black tea)
Lemons
Granulated sugar
Ice cubes
Water
Lemon slices or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Tips for the Perfect Drink

Find your balance: Some folks like a 50/50 split of tea and lemonade. That’s the traditional Arnold Palmer ratio. If you prefer it a little sweeter or tangier, don’t be afraid to adjust.
Make it ahead: You can prepare both the tea and lemonade a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then mix when ready to serve.
Use quality tea: Regular black tea works perfectly, but for a smoother flavor, try English breakfast or an unsweetened iced tea blend.

How to Make an Arnold Palmer

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start with a strong base of black tea. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over your tea bags (or loose tea in a strainer) and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Don’t over-steep, because that’s when the tea can turn bitter!

Remove the tea bags and stir in your sugar while it’s still warm so it dissolves completely. If you prefer unsweetened iced tea, you can skip the sugar altogether. Let the tea cool to room temperature before mixing.

Step 2: Make the Lemonade

In a separate pitcher, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, and 2 cups of cold water until the sugar fully dissolves. Freshly squeezed lemons are best here; they give the drink that bright, tangy flavor store-bought lemonade just can’t match.

Mixing lemon juice, sugar, and water for Arnold Palmer lemonade mix

Step 3: Mix It Up

Now, the magic happens. Combine equal parts cooled tea and lemonade (about 3 cups each) in a large pitcher. Give it a good stir, then refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.

A combined pitcher of the Arnold Palmer lemonade and tea mixes

When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices or a sprig of mint for a little something extra!

A glass of Arnold Palmer with mint and lemon slice garnish

Serving Ideas

An Arnold Palmer fits just about any occasion, from a backyard barbecue to a baby shower. Pour it into big mason jars for a classic Southern look, or serve it in chilled glasses with crushed ice for a more polished touch.

Pair it with fried chicken, pulled pork, or a grilled pimento cheese sandwich for the full Southern experience. The crisp, refreshing taste cuts through rich foods beautifully, making it the perfect beverage for warm-weather meals.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store your Arnold Palmer drink in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving since the lemonade and tea can separate a bit as they sit. Avoid freezing it; the texture and flavor won’t be the same once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with store-bought lemonade?

Absolutely! Just look for one that’s not overly sweet so it doesn’t overpower the tea. Homemade lemonade will always taste fresher, but store-bought works in a pinch.

What kind of tea should I use?

Regular black tea is the classic choice. Brands like Lipton or Luzianne are great options and easy to find at most grocery stores.

Who invented the Arnold Palmer?

The drink was named after golfer Arnold Palmer, who first ordered the mix of iced tea and lemonade at the Latrobe Country Club in Pennsylvania back in the late 1960s. His wife, Winnie Palmer, also had a version with more lemonade; a sweeter take that many people still love today!

Can I make it less sweet?

Of course! Just reduce the sugar in either the tea or lemonade (or both) to match your taste.