Arnold Palmer Drink (Iced Tea and Lemonade)
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Sometimes, the simplest drinks are the most satisfying – and the Arnold Palmer mocktail is proof of that. A mix of iced tea and lemonade, this iconic mocktail strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and comforting. It’s a go-to drink for summer afternoons, picnics, golf courses, and everything in between.
Named after legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, this drink became famous thanks to his personal preference for combining half lemonade and half tea during tournaments and public appearances. Over the decades, what started as a casual request post-golf course turned into a classic beverage found on menus across the country – and even in bottled form at grocery stores.
Whether you make it by the glass or by the pitcher, the Arnold Palmer is an effortless mocktail that tastes homemade, feels nostalgic, and pairs well with nearly any occasion. It’s the ultimate summertime beverage perfect for serving on a hot today.
What is an Arnold Palmer Drink?
The Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic beverage made by mixing iced tea and lemonade, traditionally in equal parts. The result is a sweet-tart drink that’s more complex than either ingredient on its own. It’s easy to adjust with different ratios (like 2 parts tea to 1 part lemonade) depending on how sweet or strong you like it.
It’s considered a mocktail because it has the look and feel of a cocktail, but without alcohol – making it perfect for family gatherings, summer lunches, or anyone looking for a delicious non-alcoholic option.
Whether you’re hosting a picnic, looking for a non-alcoholic drink option, or just want a cool, classic refreshment, the Arnold Palmer is as easy as it is iconic.
What’s in an Arnold Palmer
- Iced tea – Unless you like your drinks super sweet, choose unsweetened iced tea. Choose your favorite black tea bags (regular or decaf) and use the hot brew method to make iced tea at home. Just be sure it’s completely chilled before using it in your drink.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon juice will give this drink that homemade lemonade taste. You’ll need about 1 lemon per recipe.
- Simple syrup – Easily made with sugar and water, get my recipe for making the syrup in the microwave over on my simple syrup recipe page. You can adjust the simple syrup amount in this Arnold Palmer recipe to suit your tastes. Prefer a sweeter drink? Add in an additional 0.5 ounces of simple syrup.
- Cold water – When combined with the lemon juice and syrup, the water lets you make your own small batch of homemade lemonade for this drink. Change things up by using club soda or sparkling water instead of filtered water.
- Fresh mint – Mint goes so well with iced tea and lemonade, so how can we skip it as a garnish on a drink that uses both? I can’t. Fresh mint is an optional garnish for this mocktail, but I highly recommend it!
How to Make an Arnold Palmer (Step by Step)
In a pint mason jar, combine ice tea, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold water.
Cover and shake to combine. Divide the mixture between two glasses filled with ice cubes.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge or lemon wheel.
Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe (Iced Tea and Lemonade)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces iced tea, unsweetened
- 2 ounces lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 2.5 ounces simple syrup
- 3.5 ounces cold water
Instructions
- Fresh mint and lemon wedge, for garnish (optional)
- In a pint mason jar, combine ice tea, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold water.8 ounces iced tea, 2 ounces lemon juice, 2.5 ounces simple syrup, 3.5 ounces cold water
- Cover and shake to combine.
- Divide the mixture between two glasses filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge or lemon wheel.
- Sip and enjoy!
Variations on the Classic Arnold Palmer
One of the best things about this drink is how easy it is to customize! These variations keep the mocktail alcohol-free while adding new layers of flavor and texture.
- Swap out the type of iced tea you use. Try green tea or add fresh mint leaves into the black tea when you brew it for a fresh twist.
- Change up the sweetener. One of the biggest reasons I like to make my Arnold Palmer drinks without just saying “lemonade” is it allows for changing the sweetener. Use honey syrup, mint syrup, or blackberry syrup for delicious twists on this classic mocktail.
- Choose club soda, sparkling water or mineral water in place of the water in this recipe to add fizz and bubbles to your drink.
Arnold Palmer Mocktail vs Spiked Arnold Palmer
If you love the flavor of an Arnold Palmer but want a cocktail version, head over to my Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe page. It’s made with the same tea and lemonade combo, but with the addition of bourbon or vodka for an easy, boozy drink.
What to Serve with an Arnold Palmer
This light and citrusy drink pairs beautifully with light bites. Because it’s not too sweet and not too bold, it complements both savory and sweet snacks without overpowering them.
Try one of these recipes:
- Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes served on bread for sandwiches or on a bed of lettuce.
- Pick some fresh mint to use in this sweet Apple Strawberry Salsa served with homemade cinnamon tortilla chips.
- Fresh Mango Peach Salsa is a little savory and a little sweet. Perfect with homemade tortilla chips.
- Make a batch of Barbecue Oyster Crackers for an easy, flavorful snack.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes for Bruschetta al Pomodoro on crusty bread slices.
How to Create Layers in your Drink
To create a layered effect in your Arnold Palmer, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and water in a mason jar or cocktail shaker. Cover and shake to combine. Divide between 2 glasses filled with ice. (The glasses MUST be full of ice.)
Hold a spoon upside down over one of the glasses. Slowly pour half of the unsweetened iced tea over the back of the spoon to fill the glass. Repeat with the second drink. Gently place your garnishes into your glass before serving. Stir, sip and enjoy.
Note: This will only work when using unsweetened ice tea. If you use sweet tea, it will be too dense and will mix in with the lemonade.
