Wondering how to make an Arnold Palmer? This classic Arnold Palmer Iced Tea can be made both spiked or virgin. Named after the legendary golfer, an Arnold Palmer drink is perfect for sipping after a round of golf, or anytime you want to cool off on a hot day!
Arnold Palmer Iced Tea – the perfect Summertime Drink!
If you love iced tea and lemonade then you’re likely an Arnold Palmer drink person. Whatever you might call it – a “half and half” or an “Arnold Palmer Iced Tea“, this drink is amazing, especially if you love a sweet iced tea with lots of lemon freshness!
Wonderful on a hot day, or whenever you’re looking to quench your thirst, this drink is great to have on hand all summer long!
Why is lemonade and iced tea called Arnold Palmer?
Do you know how the Arnold Palmer drink got its name? In 1960 when the pro-golfer was competing in the US Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, CO, Mr. Palmer walked up to the bar, and ordered a half lemonade, half iced tea, which he loved to drink at home.
Shortly, a woman in the bar overheard Mr. Palmer’s drink order and specifically asked for a “Palmer,” wanting the half iced tea, half lemonade drink.
Immediately, the drink name stuck, Arnold Palmer went on to golf greatness, and ever since then a “half and half” is now known as an “Arnold Palmer.”
How do you make an Arnold Palmer iced tea?
Forget the powdered mix or canned stuff, making a pitcher of Arnold Palmer is simple with just a few fresh ingredients.
For the lemonade portion, you’ll need lemon juice (fresh or bottled), sugar and water. For the tea portion, all you need is a few tea bags, and water.
How do I make iced tea from scratch?
Making iced tea at home is very simple, and you only need two ingredients; tea bags and water.
Begin by boiling water in a teapot or electric kettle. While waiting for water to boil, place tea bags in a large glass bowl or jar. A large liquid measuring cup or mixing bowl works well.
Pour the boiling water over the tea bags in the bowl. Let the tea “steep” and come to room temperature.
Once the tea has cooled, pour it over ice and add additional water to make iced tea.
How do I make strong iced tea?
To make your iced tea stronger and darker, simply add more tea bags. Consider 1 tea bag per cup of water standard. If you would like it stronger, add a few more.
Conversely, if you like your tea a little weaker, take away or add a couple less tea bags to your steep.
What is Arnold Palmer spiked with?
Either sweet tea vodka or bourbon (one, 1 oz. shot of either per glass.)
Add fresh lemon slices and some sprigs of mint for a gorgeous summertime drink! If spiking this drink, you can choose from sweet tea vodka or bourbon.
If you love a refreshing summertime drink, check out some of my other cold drink recipes to wet your whistle:
- Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe
- Rosemary Citrus Water
- Raspberry Mint Iced Tea
- Watermelon Coconut Rum Punch
- Frosted Lemonade
- Ginger Peach Iced Tea
- Watermelon Margarita Recipe
- Frozen Raspberry Peach Bellini
- Ginger Peach Moscow Mule
- Lemon Raspberry Mimosas
- Pina Colada Champagne Punch
- Apple Cider Shandy at Real Housemom’s
Here’s the easy recipe for how to make an Arnold Palmer:
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Homemade Arnold Palmer Iced Tea Recipe
Equipment
- Water Pitcher This tall glass pitcher is perfect for iced tea, lemonade and even large batches of cocktails for a crowd!
- Tall Highball Glasses These tall 14 oz. glasses are ideal for iced tea, lemonade or any tall cocktail!
Ingredients
Iced Tea Portion:
- 3-4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water divided
Lemonade Portion
- 3/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 1/4 cups cold water
Optional alcohol:
- 1 oz. sweet tea vodka or bourbon per glass
Instructions
- In a microwave safe glass measuring cup or bowl, add 2 c. of water with 3-4 black tea bags. Microwave for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and let tea steep for about 5-10 minutes. Remove tea bags, pour tea concentrate into a pitcher and add 2 more cups of cold water. Stir.
- In a separate container, like a large glass measuring cup or pitcher, combine lemon juice, sugar and 3 1/4 c. cold water. Stir to dilute sugar. Pour into pitcher with ice tea mixture and stir to combine. Chill.
- When ready to serve, pour into glasses over ice. Keep refrigerated.
Notes
Nutrition
Such a perfect warm weather drink!
That ice tea looks so refreshing and scrumptious. Thanks for sharing. Pinning! 😛
This looks so delicious! I’ve never actually made this classic beverage! I so have to try it! Thanks for sharing!
AP! My husband’s favorite! Thanks for sharing!
SO refreshing on a hot summer’s day. Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesdays.
Looks simple and simply delicious. Thanks for sharing on the “What’s for Dinner” link up!
This would be a yummy spring / summer cocktail to try. Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. Pinned & shared.
This is my husbands favorite drink. We make it sometimes but he also buys it. Arnold Palmer was from Latrobe, Pa which was about an hour from our house. We use to go there all the time. I need to try your version.
Hugs,
Bev
I love Arnold Palmers. Thanks for sharing your recipe at Merry Monday this week. I will have to try it! Pinning!
My husband always orders this at the restaurant. Now I’ll try and make him some at home. 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Over The Moon Party. Hope you come back next week so I can stop by again.
Hugs,
Bev
I just pinned your Arnold Palmer Iced Tea to enjoy this summer. Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Such a fun story as to how it got it’s name! Thank you for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday!