Arnold Palmer Drink Half Tea Half Lemonade Recipe

This Arnold Palmer recipe is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, capturing the refreshing vibes of summer days. I love how easy it is to throw together yet still impresses with its classic, invigorating flavor that keeps me coming back for more.

A cool drink I really enjoy making is an Arnold Palmer, which brings together the strong flavors of black tea and the tangy zip of lemonade. I make mine with 2 cups of brewed black tea, to which I add ½ cup fresh lemon juice and use ½ cup sugar to sweeten the mixture.

Pour it over ice and drink in the low-cal refreshment.

Ingredients

Water: Vital for maintaining moisture, it constitutes the core of the beverage.

Black Tea: Full of antioxidants, supplies profundity and taste.

Lemon Juice, Squeezed Fresh: Adds tartness and is high in vitamin C.

Sugar, in its most common form, is present in the kitchen as granulated sugar.

When you use it to make lemonade, it provides two functions.

First, it adds sweetness.

Without it, you would get something more like lemon juice and would probably not even call it lemonade, let alone drink it.

By no means is sugar the only way to achieve sweetness, but it happens to be the low-cost, low-effort option.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a tiny saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil.

2. Remove from heat and include the 2 black tea bags. Allow to steep for approximately 5 minutes.

3. Take out the tea bags, letting them drip into the saucepan.

4. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved.

5. Allow the tea, which has been sweetened to taste, to cool to room temperature. Then pour the cooled tea into a pitcher.

6. Pour 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice into the pitcher.

7. Add 2 cups of cold water and stir well.

8. Refrigerate the mixture for no less than one hour or until cold.

9. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Arnold Palmer over the ice.

10. If desired, lemon slices may be used as a garnish; serve at once.

Equipment Needed

1. Tiny saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Spoon (for stirring)
4. Pitcher
5. Knife (for lemon slices, optional)
6. Cutting board (for lemon slices, optional)
7. Glasses
8. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q: Can I use green tea instead of black tea? A: Yes, you can use green tea instead for a milder flavor, but this will change the taste one expects from an Arnold Palmer.
• Q: How can I make the drink less sweet?A: Honey or a sugar substitute can be used instead of granulated sugar. This will reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. And when you do reduce, don’t forget, always taste!
• Q: Can I use store-bought lemonade?A: Of course! You can swap out fresh lemon juice and sugar for prepared lemonade in an equal amount. But really, fresh ingredients always give you the best flavor.
• Q: How long can I store the Arnold Palmer in the refrigerator?A: You can keep the drink in the fridge for 3 days. Before serving, make sure to stir it really well.
• Q: Is it necessary to add lemon slices as a garnish?A: No, it is mostly for show and only gives a slight flavor boost. Lemon slices are mainly used in drinks for decorative purposes.
• Q: Can I use herbal tea instead of black tea?A: You can use herbal tea, but it will markedly alter the classic Arnold Palmer’s flavor profile.
• Q: How can I enhance the lemon flavor?Add lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract to boost the lemon flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

When using black tea bags, opt for 2 green tea bags instead to achieve a lighter flavor.
If fresh lemons are unavailable, use 1/2 cup of bottled lemon juice instead of using just 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
For granulated sugar: Use the same amount of honey or agave syrup as you would sugar. They will give you a different sweetness profile.
When using cold water: Substitute with seltzer for a drink with a sparkle. For a fizzy drink, use seltzer or club soda.
Lime slices can be used in place of lemon to provide a somewhat different taste of citrus when used as a garnish or in drinks.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of baking soda to the hot tea to reduce any bitterness and create a smoother taste.
2. For a more robust lemon flavor, zest one of the lemons and add the zest to the hot tea along with the sugar to infuse the flavor as it dissolves.
3. Experiment with different types of sweeteners, such as honey or agave syrup, in place of granulated sugar for a unique twist.
4. To ensure a balanced flavor, taste the Arnold Palmer after mixing all the ingredients and adjust the sweetness or lemon juice according to your preference.
5. For an extra refreshing twist, add fresh mint leaves to the pitcher before refrigerating, allowing them to infuse and add a pleasant aroma and flavor.