Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make drink to cool off on a hot summer day? The Arnold Palmer, a classic combination of iced tea and lemonade, is the perfect thirst-quencher for any occasion. This timeless beverage is named after the famous golfer Arnold Palmer, who was known to enjoy this tasty and simple concoction on the golf course. With just two ingredients, tea and lemonade, this recipe can be made in minutes and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you prefer a classic black tea or a herbal infusion, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your liking. Follow the simple steps below to create your own Arnold Palmer and enjoy a classic beverage that is sure to become a new favorite.
Why is it Called an Arnold Palmer Tea?
This mixed drink wasn’t entirely first created by Arnold Palmer, but it was made famous by the man himself. He would order this drink at the bar often and it soon became a household name. Many people began to call it ‘an Arnold Palmer’ rather than order the drink by description. There are now many variations including a ‘Winnie Palmer’ a ‘Spiked Arnold Palmer’ and a ‘Half and Half’.
What is an Arnold Palmer Made Of?
The classic drink of an Arnold Palmer is made with one part lemonade and three parts unsweetened iced tea. This is the way that the famous golfer enjoyed it the most. Many people enjoy half lemonade and half unsweetened tea, precisely named a ‘half and half’. If you decide to use sweet iced tea, that’s called a ‘Winnie Palmer’ which is named after his first wife. If you decide to add a shot of vodka, that’s called a ‘Spiked Arnold Palmer’ or often referred to as a ‘John Daly’. There are many variations to this drink, it’s good to experiment with the quantities and find out what your taste preferences are.
Does Arnold Palmer Contain Caffeine?
Yes, this drink does contain caffeine from the iced black tea. Black tea contains around 40mg of caffeine per cup when it is brewed in hot water. By making cold brewed iced tea, less caffeine will be present. Hot water will extract more caffeine and tannins than the cold brewed method.
How do you Make a Spiked Arnold Palmer?
Making a spiked version of this classic drink couldn’t be easier. Simply make an Arnold Palmer and add a shot of vodka. However, you can actually add any of your favorite tipples including rum, bourbon, whiskey, brandy, gin or even a good splash of PIMMs!
Read More: How to Make Tea Infused co*cktails
How do you Make a Sparkling Arnold Palmer
Making a sparkling version is also super easy peasy. Firstly, cold brew tea in sparkling water and allow to infuse in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Use a ratio of 2 tea bags to one cup of sparkling water. Add bubbly British cloudy lemonade to your glass and top up with your sparkling iced tea. Add extra simple syrup for something a little sweeter. Yummy!
Tips for Making the Arnold Palmer Drink
Traditionally, this recipe is made from one part lemonade and three parts unsweetened iced tea. You can adjust the quantities accordingly.
Feel free to use iced tea with added sugar or honey if your prefer something a little sweeter. Ensure that you dissolve your sweetener in hot tea or use simple syrup to sweeten cold tea.
I like to use strong homemade black iced tea. Making hot brewed iced tea is a quicker way to make it, however, you can also steep black tea bags in cold water and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
I like to make mine with a British twist, I love traditional cloudy lemonade and topping up with slightly sweet iced tea.
Double the quantities and make a pitcher for when friends are over. This really is the perfect summer time recipe.
Add slices of lemon and sprigs of mint to make it rather fancy!
How to Make an Arnold Palmer From Scratch
INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)
6 Black Tea Bags (or 6 Heaped Teaspoons of Black Loose Leaf Tea)
1 1/2 (12fl oz) Cups of Freshly Boiled Water
2 Cups of Ice
Sugar/Honey/Agave to Taste - Optional
Juice from 2 Lemons
1/2 Cup Water
1/2 Cup White Sugar
METHOD
To Make the Lemonade
Skip this step if you prefer the speedier version with British cloudy lemonade!
Add the white sugar and water to a small saucepan over a medium heat and continuously stir until well combined. Set aside to use in the lemonade.
Juice the two lemons into a jug and top up with the sugar syrup. Add a handful of ice.
To Make the Iced Tea
First, steep the tea in freshly boiled water for 3 to 5 minutes before removing the tea.
Stir in your sugar/honey or agave if using and allow to fully dissolve.
Pour your tea over your ice so that it cools quickly.
To Make Your Arnold Palmer Drink
In a tall glass add 2fl oz of homemade lemonade or cloudy lemonade.
Add lots of ice and slices of lemon.
Next, pour 6fl oz of iced tea and add extra simple syrup if needed.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint and enjoy
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