Arnold Palmer
Refreshing half iced tea and half lemonade.
Drink details
Glass
Highball Glass
Ice
Cubed
Method
Built
Strength
Light
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Black Tea
Brewed and chilled
120 ml
Lemonade
Chilled
120 ml
Garnish
Lemon Slice
1 piece
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Fill a highball glass with ice.
- 2
Add the chilled black tea.
- 3
Add the lemonade and stir gently.
- 4
Garnish with a lemon slice.
About the Arnold Palmer
The Arnold Palmer is a classic non-alcoholic drink made by combining iced tea and lemonade. Named after American golfer Arnold Palmer, who was known for drinking the combination, it became a popular refreshment in the United States. The drink is simple, cooling and easy to make, with the character of brewed tea balanced by the sweetness and citrus acidity of lemonade.
What does an Arnold Palmer taste like?
An Arnold Palmer tastes refreshing, citrusy and lightly sweet, with the character of black tea balanced by bright lemonade. The tea contributes mild bitterness, tannins and depth, while the lemonade adds sweetness and fresh lemon acidity. Served cold over ice, the result is crisp and easy-drinking without being overly sweet when the two components are well balanced.
Tips for making an Arnold Palmer
Brew the black tea slightly stronger than you would for drinking on its own, as the lemonade and melting ice will soften its flavor. Let the tea cool completely before assembling the drink so the ice does not melt too quickly. Use well-chilled lemonade and plenty of ice, and avoid over-steeping the tea, which can make the finished drink overly bitter or astringent. If your lemonade is particularly sweet or tart, adjust the balance with a little more tea or lemonade to taste.
Substitutions & Variations
No black tea?
Another tea can be used, although it will change the character of the drink. Green tea produces a lighter, more delicate Arnold Palmer, while oolong adds a more aromatic and rounded tea flavor. Decaffeinated black tea is a good option if you want the familiar flavor with less caffeine. Herbal teas can also work, but they create a more noticeable variation rather than a classic Arnold Palmer.
No lemonade?
You can make a simple substitute with fresh lemon juice, water and sugar or simple syrup. Adjust the sweetness and acidity until it resembles the balance of lemonade before combining it with the tea. Avoid using undiluted lemon juice as a direct replacement, as it is much more concentrated and acidic than lemonade.
Want it less sweet?
Use a less-sweet lemonade or increase the proportion of unsweetened black tea slightly. Adding more tea generally preserves the character of the drink better than simply adding water. If making your own lemonade, reducing the amount of sugar gives you more direct control over the final sweetness.
Want to change the tea-to-lemonade balance?
The equal-parts recipe gives a straightforward balance between tea and lemonade, but the proportions can be adjusted to taste. Use more tea for a drier drink with a stronger tea character, or more lemonade for a sweeter, brighter and more citrus-forward result. Make small adjustments so neither component overwhelms the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Arnold Palmer contain alcohol?
No. A traditional Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic drink made with iced tea and lemonade. Alcoholic variations exist, but alcohol is not part of the standard Arnold Palmer recipe.
Does an Arnold Palmer contain caffeine?
Usually, yes. Black tea naturally contains caffeine, so an Arnold Palmer made with regular black tea will contain some caffeine. The exact amount depends on the tea and how it is brewed. For less caffeine, use decaffeinated black tea.
Why does my Arnold Palmer taste bitter or astringent?
The tea may have been brewed too strongly or steeped for too long. Over-steeping black tea can extract more tannins, giving the drink an overly bitter or drying sensation. Brew the tea slightly stronger than usual, but avoid excessive steeping, and let it cool before combining it with the lemonade.
Should the tea be cooled before making an Arnold Palmer?
Yes. Let the brewed tea cool completely and ideally chill it before making the drink. Adding hot or warm tea directly to the glass will melt the ice quickly, causing unnecessary dilution and making the finished drink less refreshing.
Can I make an Arnold Palmer ahead of time?
Yes. The tea can be brewed and chilled in advance, and the tea and lemonade can also be combined and refrigerated until needed. Keep the mixture cold and add the ice and lemon garnish only when serving so the drink does not become diluted.
What is the difference between an Arnold Palmer and a John Daly?
An Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic combination of iced tea and lemonade. A John Daly is an alcoholic variation that adds a spirit, most commonly vodka, to the iced-tea-and-lemonade combination. Recipes can vary, but the addition of alcohol is the key difference between the two drinks.