How to Make an Arnold Palmer drink

An Arnold Palmer drink is a classic, refreshing mocktail sipper perfect for summer’s hot temps. Easy to make and even easier to drink!

The first time I recall having an Arnold Palmer drink was poolside at the deluxe Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs.

On a lazy afternoon break from a Barbecue University intensive course I was attending, a pool attendant was serving Arnold Palmer’s to take an edge off the heat.

I was hooked!

Jump to:

• What’s in an Arnold Palmer drink?
• How Did the Arnold Palmer Get its Name
• Best Type of Tea to Use 
• Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe
• How to Sweeten an Arnold Palmer
• Drink Variations
• What Type of Alcohol Goes Well with an Arnold Palmer
• Recipe

What’s in an Arnold Palmer drink?

As our summer temp’s begin to spike, and making Sun Tea becomes a norm, the Arnold Palmer drink is a perfect thirst quencher.

An Arnold Palmer beverage is made with two summer drink classics: a combination iced tea and lemonade. It’s a slightly sweet lemony tea blend that has a refreshing taste. 

How Did the Arnold Palmer Get its Name

It was named after the golfer of the same name who became known to frequently request this drink combination at various golf club houses.

The start of the official drink name was supposedly from a woman ordering the drink at a golf club asking for ‘that Arnold Palmer drink’.

His preference was so well known all the big golf courses knew exactly how to make it! Palmer was said to order a ‘Mr. Palmer’ at golf country clubs when requesting the drink.

It also became a springboard for spin-offs, of course many including booze.

Best Type of Tea to Use 

A neutral unsweetened black tea is the classic choice. Orange Pekoe is a great option and goes with any lemonade.

Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe

This mocktail is more about proportions than a traditional recipe.

Arnold Palmer’s original drink was made with:

• 3 parts unsweetened tea
• 1 part lemonade

It’s served in a tall Collins glass full of ice.

Widely available at any restaurant or bar, the ‘Arnie Palmer’ is often made with 50% lemonade and 50% iced tea.

This ‘equal parts’ ingredient ratio sometimes is referred to a ‘Half and Half’.

Drink Variations

• Can be made with prepared, store-bought ingredients.
• Homemade Sun Tea can be used too.
• Use either traditional black tea bags or a tea flavor of your choosing.
• Homemade lemonade can be used if desired.

Multiple variations of the Arnold Palmer have spun off including different flavored teas, frozen versions and even a slushie version. 

What Type of Alcohol Goes Well with an Arnold Palmer

An Arnold Palmer spiked has alcohol added making it into a cocktail.

There are multiple ways to spike it:

• A Captain Palmer uses rum versus the common spiking with gin or vodka.
• The most well known cocktail spin is named after a rival golfer John Daly which included vodka.
• Other spin-offs include a Juan Daly with tequila and Southern version uses sweet tea and bourbon.    

Recipe