Arnold Palmer

Beat the heat with our refreshing Arnold Palmer recipe, a classic combination of sweet and tart that’s perfect for sipping on hot summer days. By using frozen lemonade concentrate as a shortcut, our easy Arnold Palmer drink recipe takes the guesswork out of making this beloved drink at home.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a summer potluck or just looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on your porch, this five-ingredient recipe is extremely versatile and the ideal thirst-quencher. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep time.

What is an Arnold Palmer?

Named after the legendary golfer who popularized the drink, the Arnold Palmer is a simple yet satisfying beverage made from iced tea and lemonade. Palmer loved this concoction so much that he’d tote a Thermos full of it every time he hit the golf course.

The classic was born to the world in the 1960s when a lady at the golf course overheard Palmer order his signature and decided she’d have “that Arnold Palmer drink” herself. Now, whether you’re teeing off or just beating the summertime heat with a patio drink, our easy Arnold Palmer tea recipe lets you enjoy this iconic beverage without breaking a sweat.

Arnold Palmer Ingredients

• Water: As the base of this iced tea, water provides a neutral canvas for the other flavors in an Arnold Palmer.
• Tea bags: For a classic Arnold Palmer tea drink flavor, use your favorite black tea bags. Learn all about tea to find your perfect blend.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar adds much-needed sweetness to balance the tart lemonade and the acidity from the tea. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
• Frozen lemonade concentrate: Thawed lemonade concentrate provides a tangy lemon flavor and additional sweetness to complement the tea. Alternatively, you can make your own lemonade for a fresher taste.
• Lemon slices: While an optional garnish, lemon slices add a pop of color and extra lemony flavor to your Arnold Palmer drink recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Brew the tea

In a Dutch oven, bring the water to a boil. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and add the tea bags. Cover and let the tea steep for five minutes. Discard the tea bags once done.

Editor’s Tip: For a stronger tea flavor, steep for an extra minute, but be aware that steeping for too long can make your tea taste bitter.

Step 2: Sweeten and mix

Stir in the sugar, starting with 3/4 cup and adding more to taste. Then, stir in the thawed lemonade concentrate until well combined.

Step 3: Chill and serve

Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least two hours until chilled. Serve over ice. If desired, garnish with lemon slices for a classic finishing touch.

Arnold Palmer Variations

• Make it sparkling: Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to your Arnold Palmer for a fizzy version of this classic drink.
• Herb it up: Swap the black tea bag for an herbal option like mint or hibiscus for a caffeine-free twist. You can also use green tea bags for a lighter tea flavor.
• Use honey instead: Replace the granulated white sugar with honey for a more natural, sweet flavor. Here’s a list of our favorite honey brands.
• Spike it: For an adult version of the Arnold Palmer recipe, add a shot of vodka or bourbon to each glass before serving.
• Add some fruit: For a fruity twist, add a splash of peach or raspberry fruit juice.
• Create slushies: Blend the chilled Arnold Palmer drink recipe with ice for a refreshing slushy treat.

How to Store Arnold Palmer

Store leftovers of your homemade Arnold Palmer in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to a week. Stir before serving to recombine the tea and lemonade.

Can you make an Arnold Palmer ahead of time?

Arnold Palmers are an excellent make-ahead drink. Preparing it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more balanced taste. For the best flavor, make a batch up to 24 hours in advance.

Arnold Palmer Tips

What’s the best tea to use for an Arnold Palmer?

While black tea bags are traditional for this Arnold Palmer tea recipe, feel free to use green tea or an herbal tea like chamomile or hibiscus for a unique flavor.

What’s the best ratio of tea to lemonade for an Arnold Palmer?

The classic Arnold Palmer ratio is 1:1 tea to lemonade. However, for a more tea-forward drink, follow a 2:1 ratio of tea to lemonade, and for a more lemonade-forward drink, use a 1:2 ratio of tea to lemonade. Love iced tea? You may also love this viral Sprite iced tea recipe.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of lemonade concentrate?

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice instead of lemonade concentrate in a pinch. Start with about 1 cup lemon juice and adjust to taste. You’ll need to increase the amount of sugar used to compensate for the sweetness that the lemonade concentrate would have provided.

How can I make a sugar-free Arnold Palmer?

To make a sugar-free version of this Arnold Palmer recipe, use unsweetened tea and sugar-free lemonade concentrate. You can sweeten the drink to taste with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Here are other sugar alternatives and when to use them.