Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe

This Arnold Palmer recipe is my go-to for a refreshing and invigorating beverage that perfectly balances the boldness of black tea with the zest of lemonade. I love how it’s both sophisticated and simple, making it an ideal companion for relaxing afternoons or brunches with friends.

I enjoy making my ideal Arnold Palmer drink. For me, it’s a delightful blend that mixes together 1 cup of freshly brewed black tea and the zesty flavor of 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemonade.

I consider it the perfect drink for a sizzling summer day, and I can’t imagine a more nutritious beverage to sip while enjoying the great outdoors. Antioxidants in the tea?

Check. Loads of vitamin C in the lemonade?

You bet! I serve my Palmer over ice, garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves, and settle in for some quality time with Mother Nature.

Ingredients

Tea, Black: Gives a robust, rich taste; yields antioxidants.

Lemonade: An excellent source of vitamin C, it contributes a sweet-tart taste.

Frozen Water: Makes cold drinks cold; makes balanced drinks drinkable.

Lemon Wedges: Boosts fragrance; gives a zingy, new twist.

The Fresh Mint Scent: Creates a sense of coolness; yields a delightful refreshing fragrance.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup freshly brewed black tea, chilled
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemonade
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
• Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. First, brew a cup of black tea. Let it steep until it hits your preferred strength; then, chill in the refrigerator.

2. As the tea chills, make a cup of lemon juice that has been freshly squeezed, and from that, prepare the following:

Lemonade:
1 cup of lemon juice
Cold water
Sugar to taste

3. When the tea has reached the state of being cool, procure a glass of considerable height. Within this container, place a quantity of ice that is cubically shaped.

4. Decant the icy black tea into the glass so that it fills the glass halfway.

5. Pour the lemonade that has just been freshly squeezed into the glass with care, until it reaches the very top.

6. Use a long spoon to stir the drink gently. You want to mix the tea and lemonade together; they should be combined but not whipped into frenzy. A long spoon is helpful here too because it keeps your hand further away from the chilled drink and lets you avoid adding extra warmth.

7. To sample the Arnold Palmer and determine if it needs additional sweetness, take a sip and assess the flavor. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more sugar or your favorite sweetener (I love using agave nectar), stir well, and then taste again.

8. If you want, you can affix a slice of lemon to the rim of the glass as a garnish.

9. Additionally, if desired, you can garnish it with some mint leaves to amp up the refreshing taste.

10. Enjoy a perfect blend of tea and lemonade. Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Teapot or tea kettle
2. Measuring cup
3. Juicer or reamer (for lemons)
4. Pitcher or jug (for lemonade preparation)
5. Spoon (for stirring lemonade ingredients)
6. Tall glass
7. Ice cube tray (or pre-made ice cubes)
8. Long spoon (for stirring the drink)
9. Knife (for slicing lemon, optional)
10. Cutting board (optional, for slicing lemon)
11. Refrigerator (for chilling tea)

FAQ

• What is an Arnold Palmer drink?A refreshing drink mixes equal parts of lemonade and iced tea. That’s an Arnold Palmer.
• Can I use store-bought lemonade?Using store-bought lemonade is certainly acceptable, but nothing can compare to the brightness and freshness of lemon from a freshly squeezed lemon. It just takes only a little effort to squeeze some lemons and whisk the juice together with some sugar, creating a homemade lemon mixture.
• What type of tea works best for this drink?Typically, black tea is employed, but you are free to try other kinds of tea, such as green or herbal, which will yield a different flavor profile.
• How can I make the drink sweeter?To make a sweeter drink, add a dash of simple syrup or sweetened tea. But if you want to drink it as is, you’re all set. This drink is so refreshing and oddly energizing.
• Is it necessary to chill the tea?Ensuring the best flavor and that the drink is appropriately cold means chilling the tea before mixing.
• Can I prepare this drink in advance?Certainly, it is possible to combine the tea and lemonade in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add ice and embellishments before serving.
• How can I add a twist to the traditional recipe?Think about including some distinctive flavors, such as ginger or berries, to give the classic Arnold Palmer a creative spin.

Substitutions and Variations

Replace black tea with green tea to make a whole new flavor profile.
If you can’t get your hands on freshly squeezed lemonade, you can use store-bought. Alternatively, make a sweeter version with pink lemonade.
Consider using flavored ice cubes—like those made with lemon or tea—to add a subtle twist. They slow down the melting process and prolong the time it takes for your drink to become diluted and lose its flavor.
Replace mint leaves with basil leaves and you have an herbal twist on a traditional cocktail. A cocktail garnished with basil leaves and mint leaves would be quite a sight to see!

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Tea Opt for loose leaf black tea if possible, as it tends to have a richer and more complex flavor compared to bagged tea. This small change can significantly enhance the overall taste of your Arnold Palmer.

2. Balance the Sweetness When preparing your lemonade, adjust the sugar gradually to taste. The sweetness of the lemonade should complement the tea without overpowering it. Consider using simple syrup for easier blending or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar for a unique twist.

3. Chill Everything Thoroughly To ensure a cold and refreshing drink, chill both the brewed tea and freshly made lemonade before mixing. You can even store your glasses in the freezer for a short time before serving to keep the drink colder for longer.

4. Enhance with Citrus Zest For an additional burst of citrus aroma, grate a bit of lemon zest into the lemonade. This will intensify the lemon flavor without adding extra acidity.

5. Adjust Tea Strength Customize the strength of your black tea by adjusting its steeping time. If you prefer a bolder tea flavor, let it steep a bit longer. Conversely, for a lighter taste, reduce the steeping duration. This allows you to fine-tune the balance to your personal preference.