Arnold Palmer
The ultimate refreshing summer drink, this classic Arnold Palmer perfectly balances brisk iced tea with tangy, sweet lemonade. It's incredibly easy to make a pitcher from scratch for a sunny afternoon, achieving the perfect harmony of flavors.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the Simple Syrup
- b.In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with 1 cup of water.
- c.Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- d.Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brew the Iced Tea
- b.In a separate saucepan or kettle, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- c.Remove the water from the heat and add the 6 black tea bags.
- d.Allow the tea to steep for exactly 5 minutes. Do not over-steep, as this can introduce bitterness.
- e.Carefully remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them.
- f.Let the tea cool on the counter until it reaches room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Arnold Palmer
- b.In a large pitcher (at least 2 quarts/liters), combine the fresh lemon juice, the cooled simple syrup, and the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Stir well to create the lemonade base.
- c.Pour the chilled iced tea into the pitcher with the lemonade base.
- d.Stir gently until everything is well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Fill four tall glasses with ice cubes.
- c.Pour the prepared Arnold Palmer over the ice.
- d.Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of mint, if desired.
- e.Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the clearest iced tea, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Drastic temperature changes can make it cloudy.
- 2Making a simple syrup ensures the sugar dissolves completely and is evenly distributed throughout the drink.
- 3The 1:1 ratio of tea to lemonade is classic, but feel free to adjust the proportions to your personal preference.
- 4For a stronger tea flavor, use 8 tea bags instead of 6, but keep the steeping time to 5 minutes to avoid bitterness.
- 5Chill both the tea and the lemonade components separately before combining for the most refreshing, non-diluted result.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiked Arnold Palmer
Add 1.5 oz (a standard shot) of bourbon, vodka, or gin to each glass for an alcoholic version, often called a 'John Daly'.
Sweet Tea Arnold PalmerSweet Tea Arnold Palmer
For a Southern-style twist, increase the sugar in the simple syrup to 1.25 cups to create a classic sweet tea base.
Herbal InfusionHerbal Infusion
Add a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or lavender to the simple syrup as it heats for a sophisticated, herbaceous note. Strain before using.
Green Tea PalmerGreen Tea Palmer
Substitute black tea bags with green tea bags for a lighter, more delicate flavor. Be sure to steep for only 2-3 minutes.
Sparkling Arnold PalmerSparkling Arnold Palmer
Top each glass with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy, effervescent finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Hydration
As a fluid-based beverage, the Arnold Palmer is an excellent and flavorful way to contribute to your daily hydration needs, which is essential for overall health.
Rich in Antioxidants
Black tea is a significant source of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Source of Vitamin C
Made with fresh lemon juice, this drink provides a good dose of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports immune function and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
This recipe contains approximately 160 calories per serving, primarily from the granulated sugar. The exact number can vary based on the amount of sugar you use.