Arnold Palmer 

By Lidey Heuck

Updated Oct. 12, 2023

Arnold Palmer 
Mark Weinberg for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
10 minutes, plus 30 minutes’ cooling
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes, plus 30 minutes’ cooling
Rating
4(60)
Notes
Read community notes

Named for the eponymous professional golfer who was known to request a drink combining iced tea and lemonade after a day on the course, the Arnold Palmer has become a hugely popular American drink. While Mr. Palmer preferred a ratio that favored tea over lemonade, the drink has become more commonly known as a “half-and-half” — half tea, half lemonade. This recipe uses equal parts homemade lemonade and unsweetened black tea for a nicely balanced flavor, but feel free to adjust the ratio to your liking, using a bit more lemonade for a sweeter drink, or more tea for a slightly bitter one, Palmer-style.

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Ingredients

Yield:5½ cups (about 8 servings)
  • 3black tea bags, such as English Breakfast
  • 3cups lemonade
  • 1lemon, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Ice, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

17 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 7 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags, hanging their strings over the side of the pan. Allow to steep for 5 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bags. Let the tea cool completely (about 30 minutes).

  2. Step 2

    In a large pitcher, combine the tea and the lemonade. Add the lemon slices and refrigerate until cold, or serve immediately over plenty of ice.

Ratings

4 out of 5
60 user ratings
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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

JSaxby

My late uncle, an actor, raconteur and endless traveler, always claimed (insisted, convincingly) he had "invented" this drink many years before anyone started calling it an "Arnold Palmer." So, whenever we ordered one or made one or talked about one, in our family, it was a "Don Dolan."

Bob Jones

My recipe for a visually stunning Arnold: Fill a large glass with ice cubes, 2/3 full Pour lemonade in until it just begins to float the ice Very slowly, pour tea onto one of the cubes at the top Continue the slow pour until the glass is full. You end up with a lovely two-tone beverage: brown at the top, fading into yellow at the bottom. Drink with a straw so you can control the mix of lemonade and tea to your liking as you sip.

Collier Goodlett

Put bourbon in it and you have a "John Daly"

John MacD

Growing up on Long Island we called it a half and half

The Jester of Xanadu

One day, I was in the mood for an Arnold Palmer but only had Earl Grey tea available… let me tell you, an Earl Grey Arnold Palmer is fabulously refreshing. Also if you’re in Seattle and have access to the tea place at Pike Place Market, their signature orange spice blend shines with the AP treatment.

Lisal

Try making it with iced tea from white tea leaves. Beautiful color, less astringent, and delicious.

Canuck

Add a shot of vodka (1 1/2 oz in 8 oz tumbler) and the Arnold Palmer becomes a John Daly. John is a two-time winner of golf major championships (OGA & British Open), and is also known for his excessive lifestyle.

Diane Gabe

I make this by putting a heaping tablespoon of frozen lemonade into a glass of iced tea. You can make this by the individual glass or by the pitcher.

Stephen

Where’s the homemade lemonade recipe?

MH Smith

I use decaf Constant Comment to add interest and avoid the caffeine.

MZ

Certainly doesn't need "10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooling." Put ice in a glass, toss in iced tea and lemonade in a proportion that you enjoy (I like Arnold prefer a tea heavy ratio but YMMV). Stir and enjoy - done. Total time, about 2-3 minutes.

Bob Jones

My recipe for a visually stunning Arnold: Fill a large glass with ice cubes, 2/3 full Pour lemonade in until it just begins to float the ice Very slowly, pour tea onto one of the cubes at the top Continue the slow pour until the glass is full. You end up with a lovely two-tone beverage: brown at the top, fading into yellow at the bottom. Drink with a straw so you can control the mix of lemonade and tea to your liking as you sip.

Collier Goodlett

Put bourbon in it and you have a "John Daly"

MZ

Or vodka ... spirit of your choice.

jermagesty

Perfect! Added a mint garnish - highly recommend.

JSaxby

My late uncle, an actor, raconteur and endless traveler, always claimed (insisted, convincingly) he had "invented" this drink many years before anyone started calling it an "Arnold Palmer." So, whenever we ordered one or made one or talked about one, in our family, it was a "Don Dolan."

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