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🇺🇸 USA · Drinks

Classic Arnold Palmer

5 min
Ready in a flash
🔥 120 kcal
Light bite
🍽 1 servings
Just for you (or a date)

By eatmundo · July 8, 2026

Classic Arnold Palmer🇺🇸 USAI-generated image

Named after the legendary golfer, the Arnold Palmer is a perfectly balanced, refreshing beverage that combines the bold flavors of iced tea with the tangy sweetness of lemonade. It's an American classic, ideal for cooling down on a warm day.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    First, ensure you have both a well-chilled batch of your favorite iced tea and freshly made lemonade. For the best flavor, I recommend a strong-brewed black tea, cooled, and a tart, homemade lemonade.

  • 2

    Grab a tall, elegant glass and fill it about two-thirds full with ice cubes. Using plenty of ice will keep your Arnold Palmer perfectly chilled without diluting it too quickly.

  • 3

    Carefully pour 1 cup (240ml) of the cold iced tea into the glass over the ice. Try to pour it steadily to avoid excessive splashing.

  • 4

    Next, gently add 1 cup (240ml) of the cold lemonade to the glass. For a truly classic Arnold Palmer, aim for a 50/50 ratio of iced tea to lemonade. This balance creates the signature harmonious taste.

  • 5

    Give the mixture a gentle stir with a spoon or a long stirrer to combine the tea and lemonade thoroughly. You'll notice the beautiful gradient of colors blending into a single, inviting hue.

  • 6

    For the finishing touch, garnish your Arnold Palmer with a fresh lemon slice. You can cut a thin wheel or a wedge and place it on the rim of the glass, or drop it directly into the drink.

  • 7

    Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderfully refreshing beverage. The cool, crisp flavors are best experienced when freshly made and perfectly chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Arnold Palmer?+

An Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic beverage from the United States consisting of a mixture of iced tea and lemonade served over ice. It is typically garnished with a lemon slice and consumed as a refreshing drink, particularly during warm weather or sports activities.

What is the traditional ratio for an Arnold Palmer?+

The classic Arnold Palmer typically uses a 50/50 ratio of iced tea to lemonade. However, you can adjust the proportions to your personal taste, making it sweeter or more tart.

Can I use store-bought iced tea and lemonade?+

Absolutely! For convenience, store-bought iced tea and lemonade work perfectly fine. Just ensure they are good quality and well-chilled for the best results.

What type of tea is best for an Arnold Palmer?+

A strong-brewed black tea, like a standard English breakfast or Ceylon tea, is traditionally used. Its robust flavor stands up well to the lemonade without being overpowered.

How can I make my Arnold Palmer less sweet?+

To reduce sweetness, you can use unsweetened iced tea, or a less-sweet lemonade, or simply adjust the tea-to-lemonade ratio by adding a bit more tea.

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