This Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic drink that is the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing. It is made with equal parts of unsweetened iced tea and lemonade and is finished with a lemon wedge or lemon slice. This is the ultimate thirst quencher! If you are craving another drink to cool off and add to your summer drink recipes, why not try my State Fair Strawberry Lemonade? It’s a sweet and tangy treat that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and just the right amount of citrusy zest.
What Is An Arnold Palmer?
If you golf, or enjoy the game of golf, you probably know of the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer! He was one of the greats, and this refreshing drink is named after him. Arnold Palmer was known for ordering a mix of lemonade and unsweetened iced tea over ice at restaurants, and that is how the drink got its name. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage that people of all ages can enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Iced Tea: An Arnold Palmer is usually made with unsweetened iced tea. The unsweetened tea helps balance out the sweetness of the lemonade, so the drink isn’t too sugary. Some people like to use sweetened iced tea for a sweeter taste, but the classic version uses unsweetened tea.
- Lemonade: The lemonade helps balance the unsweetened iced tea. Just like I add a little lemon to my glass of iced tea, it just makes sense to add lemonade, too!
- Lemon Wedges: Add a lemon wedge or lemon slice to finish off the drink.
Can You Make An Arnold Palmer With Sweet Tea?
Yes, you can make an Arnold Palmer with sweet tea if you prefer a sweeter drink. Typically, an Arnold Palmer is made with unsweetened iced tea to balance the sweetness of the lemonade. Using sweet tea will give the drink a much sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that it might be too sweet for some people, so you can adjust the amount of lemonade to your taste.
Can You Add Alcohol To An Arnold Palmer?
Yes, if you are looking for an adult version of this drink, you can add alcohol to an Arnold Palmer. A popular option is to mix it with vodka, sweet tea vodka, or even bourbon for a flavorful twist.
Vodka Arnold Palmer (Spiked Half & Half)
- 1.5 oz vodka per glass (one shot)
- Follow the original recipe, adding vodka before stirring
Bourbon Arnold Palmer (Southern-Style)
- 1.5 to 2 oz bourbon per glass (depending on how strong you like it)
- Adds a rich, slightly smoky depth to the drink
- Works especially well with homemade lemonade & sweet tea
Fun Variations & Customizations To Try With An Arnold Palmer
You can add a variety of things to an Arnold Palmer to make it your own! If you want to make it more flavorful, you can add fresh fruit like lemon slices, berries, or even a sprig of mint. If you like your drink sweeter, you can stir in some honey or sugar. You could also try adding flavored syrups like raspberry, strawberry simple syrup, peach, or ginger to give your Arnold Palmer a fun twist. There are plenty of ways to customize this refreshing drink to fit your taste!
Arnold Palmer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened iced tea
- 1 ½ cups lemonade
- ice
- lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill two 12-ounce or 16-ounce* glasses with ice.
- Pour ¾ cup of lemonade into each glass.
- Pour ¾ cup of unsweetened iced tea into each glass.
- Stir until well combined.
- Garnish with lemon wedges or slices.
Notes
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love Arnold Palmers! The lemonade is sweet, and the iced tea is cool. It’s perfect for hot days!
Elizabeth
I love lemon in my iced tea, so this Arnold Palmer is perfect for me! A little splash of bourbon isn't bad, either (if you are an adult).
Annabelle
Arnold Palmers are awesome! They’re not too sweet, just refreshing.
Bella
Arnold Palmers are so refreshing. I love the balance between iced tea and lemonade.
Stephanie
These drinks are a nice balance of sweet and tart. Very refreshing!
