Arnold Palmer
A refreshingly simple blend of equal parts iced tea and lemonade. This classic American beverage balances the crisp, slightly astringent notes of black tea with the bright, sweet-tart punch of fresh lemonade. Perfect for hot summer afternoons, backyard barbecues, or anytime you need a cool pick-me-up.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~5 min
Brew the iced tea.
1.Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.2.Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes.3.Remove tea bags, stir in sugar until fully dissolved, and let cool to room temperature.TIPDon't squeeze the tea bags — it releases bitter tannins. Just let them drip naturally. - mix · ~3 min
Make the fresh lemonade.
1.Juice the lemons to get about 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.2.Combine the lemon juice with 3 cups of cold water in a large pitcher.3.Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a little sugar if needed. - mix · ~1 min
Combine the tea and lemonade.
1.Pour the cooled tea into the pitcher with the lemonade.2.Stir well to combine evenly. - serve · ~1 min
Serve over ice.
1.Fill glasses with ice cubes.2.Pour the Arnold Palmer over the ice.3.Garnish each glass with a lemon slice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a clearer tea, steep the bags in water that has just stopped boiling, not during a rolling boil.
- 2Never squeeze the tea bags when removing them; pressing releases bitter tannins that cloud the flavor.
- 3Adjust the tea-to-lemonade ratio to your taste; a 2:1 tea-to-lemonade yields a more assertive drink.
- 4Make the lemonade base a day ahead and refrigerate; it actually improves as the flavors meld.
- 5Use filtered water for both tea and lemonade to avoid any chlorine off-flavors.
- 6Chill the brewed tea completely before combining with lemonade to prevent dilution from melting ice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbal twist
Swap black tea bags for hibiscus or peach herbal tea; the fruity notes complement lemonade beautifully for a caffeine-free version.
spiked arnold palmerSpiked arnold palmer
Add 1½ ounces of vodka or bourbon per glass for an adult version—the spirits mix seamlessly without overwhelming the citrus-tea balance.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace sugar with a monk fruit–erythritol blend; it dissolves in hot tea just like sugar and adds zero calories.
spicy palmerSpicy palmer
Muddle 2 slices of fresh ginger into the lemonade base for a warm, zesty kick that pairs perfectly with black tea.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydration with Electrolytes
Fresh lemon juice provides natural potassium and vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps replenish electrolytes on a hot day.
Antioxidants from Black Tea
Black tea contains polyphenols like theaflavins that may support heart health and reduce oxidative stress.
Low in Unwanted Additives
Homemade with real lemons and tea, this drink avoids high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors found in many store-bought versions.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended; bottled juice often contains preservatives and lacks the bright, floral acidity that makes this drink shine.
