An Arnold Palmer drink is a refreshing mix of half iced tea and half lemonade, named after the famous golfer who popularized it.
The Arnold Palmer is a refreshing blend of iced tea and lemonade that has become a staple of summer beverages. Named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, this drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that quench thirst on hot days.
The Classic Arnold Palmer Recipe
While many assume an Arnold Palmer is an equal mix of tea and lemonade, the original version actually uses a 3:1 ratio:
- 3 parts unsweetened iced tea
- 1 part lemonade
This creates a bolder tea flavor with just enough lemonade to add sweetness and acidity. For those who prefer a sweeter drink, the “half and half” version with equal parts tea and lemonade is also popular.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Iced Tea Component
Black tea is the traditional choice, offering robust flavor that stands up to the lemonade. For best results:
- Use high-quality loose leaf or bagged black tea
- Brew at proper temperature (195-205°F)
- Steep for 3-5 minutes
- Cool completely before mixing
Lemonade Component
Freshly made lemonade provides the best flavor:
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio)
- Cold water
For those short on time, store-bought lemonade works, but quality varies. Consider brands like Minute Maid or Newman’s Own.
Variations and Twists
Alcoholic Versions (John Daly)
The spiked version, named after golfer John Daly, typically includes:
- 1.5 oz vodka (Ketel One was Palmer’s preferred brand)
- 3 oz Arnold Palmer mix
- Garnish with lemon wedge
Other liquor options include spiced rum, bourbon, or aged rum. For a frozen version, blend with ice.
Flavored Variations
Enhance your Arnold Palmer with:
- Fruit syrups (strawberry, peach, mango)
- Herbal infusions (mint, lavender, basil)
- Different tea bases (oolong, green, hibiscus)
The History Behind the Drink
Arnold Palmer and his wife Winnie created the drink in the 1960s at their home. The name became official when a woman at a golf club overheard Palmer order it and requested “that Arnold Palmer drink.”
Palmer always carried a thermos of his signature mix on the golf course. The drink gained national attention when Golf Digest mentioned it as Hollywood’s new “hot drink.”
Making the Perfect Arnold Palmer
Equipment Recommendations
For homemade versions, consider:
- Electric citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice
- Quality tea infuser or brewing system
- Large pitcher for mixing
Pro Tips
- Brew tea double strength to account for ice melt
- Use filtered water for both components
- Add lemon slices and mint for garnish
- Serve in a tall glass with plenty of ice
Commercial Availability
Since 2002, Arizona Beverage Company has sold Arnold Palmer branded drinks in various flavors:
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Original | Classic tea and lemonade blend |
| Green Tea | Healthier alternative with antioxidants |
| Zero Calorie | Diet version with artificial sweeteners |
| Peach | Southern-style with peach flavor |
Other chains like Chick-fil-A offer their own versions (marketed as “Sunjoy”). The drink typically contains about 23mg of caffeine per 23oz serving.
