Arnold Palmer

The Arnold Palmer is a classic non-alcoholic quencher, a simple two-ingredient mix that’s a staple for anyone looking for something refreshing without the booze. It’s a go-to for designated drivers, daytime drinkers, or just folks who appreciate a straightforward, balanced taste. You’ll find it on menus everywhere from golf clubs to casual diners, and it’s always a solid call when you want something thirst-quenching.

Arnold Palmer

4.58 from 21 votes

Calories: 60kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 5 oz Lemonade
▢ 5 oz Iced Tea

Instructions

▢
Combine ingredients in a highball or tall glass with ice. stir and enjoy.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 60kcal (3%)Carbohydrates: 16g (5%)Sugar: 15g (17%)

Punch

Where it came from

The Arnold Palmer is named after the legendary American golfer. The story goes that Palmer frequently ordered a drink of half iced tea and half lemonade. He liked it so much he started asking for it by name, and other patrons soon followed suit. It quickly became a popular request, especially on golf courses and in casual dining settings, solidifying its place as a classic non-alcoholic beverage.

This drink sits in the category of simple, refreshing mixed beverages. It’s essentially a highball, though without the spirit. Its relatives include other basic two-part refreshers like a Shirley Temple or a Roy Rogers, but the Arnold Palmer distinguishes itself with its specific balance of tart citrus and earthy tea notes, a combination not found in those soda-based options.

You’d order an Arnold Palmer at pretty much any casual restaurant, diner, or golf course. It’s a backyard barbecue staple, a picnic companion, and a reliable choice for anyone wanting a cold, non-alcoholic drink that’s more interesting than water or plain soda. It’s also a common base for a quick boozy upgrade at the bar.

What it tastes like

On the front, you get the bright, zesty tartness of lemonade, quickly followed by its refreshing sweetness. The middle introduces the earthy, slightly tannic notes of iced tea, which rounds out the citrus without overpowering it. The finish is clean and balanced, leaving a pleasant, thirst-quenching sensation that makes you want another sip.

This drink is non-alcoholic, meaning it carries 0% ABV. It’s as boozeless as a glass of water or a soda, making it a safe bet for any time of day or for those avoiding alcohol. You can drink several of these without any alcohol impact, unlike a standard beer or cocktail.

The technique

Building an Arnold Palmer is as straightforward as it gets. Grab a highball or any tall glass, fill it generously with ice. Pour in your lemonade, then top it with iced tea. Give it a quick stir to ensure the ingredients are fully combined and chilled through. No fancy shakers or specific techniques required, just a solid pour and stir.

The single most important technique tip for an Arnold Palmer is to use plenty of ice. Fill your glass to the brim before adding liquids. This keeps the drink colder for longer and provides a slow, controlled dilution as the ice melts. Skimp on the ice and your drink will warm up fast, becoming weak and unbalanced rather than crisp and refreshing.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Lemonade

Use: Freshly squeezed lemonade is always best, offering bright, natural citrus notes. For convenience, a good quality store-bought lemonade like Newman’s Own or Simply Lemonade works well, just ensure it’s not overly sweet or artificial tasting.
Skip: Avoid powdered lemonade mixes or highly artificial, neon-colored lemonades. These often taste syrupy and lack the genuine tartness and fresh flavor needed, making the drink unbalanced and cloying.
Why: Lemonade is essential for providing the drink’s signature tart and sweet balance. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the tea’s earthiness, creating the refreshing contrast that defines an Arnold Palmer.

Iced Tea

Use: Freshly brewed black tea, cooled to room temperature or chilled, is ideal. Unsweetened or lightly sweetened works best, allowing you to control the overall sweetness. Lipton or Luzianne are classic choices for a standard black tea.
Skip: Instant tea powders or pre-made iced teas with excessive sugar or artificial flavors should be avoided. They often have a weak or off-putting flavor profile that can make the entire drink taste cheap.
Why: Iced tea provides the earthy, slightly tannic backbone of the drink. Its subtle bitterness and depth are crucial for balancing the lemonade’s sweetness and acidity, giving the Arnold Palmer its distinctive character.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spiked Palmer

Add a shot of your favorite spirit.: Introduce 1.5 to 2 oz of vodka, bourbon, or gin for an adult twist. This adds a boozy kick while maintaining the drink’s refreshing qualities.

Sweet Tea Palmer

For a Southern-style sweet tooth.: If you prefer your tea with a bit more sugar, simply use pre-sweetened iced tea. Adjust the ratio if needed to keep it from becoming overly cloying.

Green Tea Palmer

A lighter, grassier alternative.: Swap out the black iced tea for an equal measure of chilled green tea. This offers a slightly lighter body and a more vegetal, often brighter, flavor profile.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Lemonade?

Combine fresh lemon juice with simple syrup to taste. A ratio of 1 oz lemon juice to 0.75 oz simple syrup per serving is a good starting point, then adjust for sweetness.

No Iced Tea?

While a core ingredient, if you’re really in a pinch, cold brew coffee can offer a similar dark, refreshing base, though the flavor profile will be significantly different. Otherwise, you’re just making lemonade.

No Highball glass?

Any tall glass will do the trick. A pint glass, a Collins glass, or even a large tumbler works perfectly fine. The goal is simply to hold a good volume of liquid and ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Arnold Palmer?

An Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic drink made with a 50/50 mix of lemonade and iced tea.

Is a Arnold Palmer alcoholic?

No, a traditional Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic beverage. However, it’s often ‘spiked’ with a spirit like vodka or bourbon to make an alcoholic version.

Why is it called an Arnold Palmer?

It’s named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who frequently ordered and popularized the drink. He reportedly asked for a mix of half iced tea and half lemonade, and the name stuck.

What’s the best ratio for an Arnold Palmer?

The classic ratio is 50/50, or equal parts lemonade and iced tea. However, some prefer it slightly sweeter with more lemonade, or more tannic with more iced tea. Adjust to your personal taste.

Can you make an Arnold Palmer with sweet tea?

Yes, absolutely. Using sweet tea instead of unsweetened iced tea is a popular variation, especially in the Southern United States. Just be mindful of the overall sweetness.

What spirit goes well in a Spiked Arnold Palmer?

Vodka is a common choice for its neutral profile, but bourbon adds a nice depth, and gin can introduce interesting botanical notes. White rum or even a spiced rum can also work well.

Is it okay to use store bought ingredients?

Yes, using good quality store-bought lemonade and pre-brewed iced tea is perfectly acceptable and common. Freshly made ingredients will always offer a superior taste, though.

Can I make a big batch of Arnold Palmer?

Yes, it’s an excellent drink for batching. Simply mix equal parts lemonade and iced tea in a pitcher or dispenser. Add ice to individual glasses when serving to avoid diluting the whole batch.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read