How to Make the Perfect Arnold Palmer
American · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
A classic blend of iced tea and lemonade named after the legendary golfer. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm days and easy entertaining.
Why this recipe works
This Arnold Palmer recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups water
- 2 bags black tea bags
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups cold water
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 slices lemon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep both tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove bags and stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Lemonade
Combine 0.5 cup sugar with 0.5 cup hot water in a small saucepan and stir until sugar dissolves to form a simple syrup. Mix the syrup with fresh lemon juice and 2.5 cups cold water in a pitcher.
Step 3: Chill Both Components
Refrigerate both the brewed tea and the lemonade until fully cold, at least 30 minutes. Cold components ensure the drink stays chilled longer and does not water down over ice.
Step 4: Combine and Pour
Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour equal parts iced tea and lemonade simultaneously into each glass or layer lemonade first then tea for a visual effect.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Place a lemon slice on the rim of each glass. Stir gently before drinking and serve immediately for the best flavor and chill.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- black tea bags → green tea bags for a lighter flavor
- granulated sugar → honey for a floral sweetness
- fresh lemon juice → bottled lemon juice in a pinch
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Over-steeping the tea which causes a bitter and astringent flavor
- Using warm tea over ice which dilutes the drink too quickly
- Adding too much sugar to the lemonade which overwhelms the tea flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 0g protein, 32g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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