Sweet Tea & Lemonade Love: My Go-To Arnold Palmer

Okay, so have you ever been super thirsty and just can’t decide between tea or lemonade? Like, it’s a dilemma, right? Ugh, I used to struggle with that all the time until I discovered the glorious Arnold Palmer. Seriously, it’s like the best of both worlds—and it’s so easy to whip up!

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, let’s chat about what you need for this little summer sipper! First off, you gotta get yourself some black tea—I usually go for the bagged stuff ’cause I’m lazy, but if you’re feeling fancy, go for loose-leaf. You’ll need 1 cup of that brewed and cooled. Then there’s 1 cup of lemonade – store-bought is cool, but if you’ve got a killer homemade recipe, USE IT! You’ll also need some ice cubes (I mean… who doesn’t love ice?) and lemon slices for that cute garnish. So, just those four simple things! Easy-peasy.

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, picture this: it’s a scorching hot summer day, and I’m sitting on my porch, sweating like a popsicle in the sun. I can hear the kids down the street screaming and laughing. I just finished mowing the lawn (ugh, the worst), and I need something refreshing. That’s when I pour myself an Arnold Palmer. It’s my “I survived another hot day” drink. There was that one time I made it for my friends after a long day at the beach, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than you can say “delicious.” I’m talking GONE. They were all, “OMG, can I have the recipe?” and I thought, “Uh, it’s literally just tea and lemonade, but sure!” It felt like I was a cocktail wizard or something.

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Okay, here’s the deal. The *key* to making the BEST Arnold Palmer is to chill your tea like it’s the most important thing ever. I thought I could skip this step once (rookie mistake) and just mix hot tea with lemonade. Y’all. It turned into this weird lukewarm mess. So, brew that tea, let it cool, and don’t rush it. Patience, my friend!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

– Tip #1: Start checking your tea at 4 minutes if you’re using bags—don’t let it go bitter on ya!
– Tip #2: If you want a sweeter Arnold Palmer, add a tablespoon of sugar to your tea while it’s still warm. Mix it in, let it cool, and BOOM—sweet perfection.
– Tip #3: Use fresh lemons, please! Those plastic lemon-shaped things don’t do this drink justice. You want that zesty, fresh flavor!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

Okay, so here’s the thing: this drink is best enjoyed fresh. But if you happen to have leftovers (which like NEVER happens, but just in case), you can store it in the fridge for about 2 days. Just don’t add the ice until you’re ready to serve! Ice mush is not cute, people.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

If you’re vibing with this, you should totally check out my Mint Lemonade (it’s a game changer) and my Peach Iced Tea—like, seriously, summer in a glass! Or even a Strawberry Basil Spritzer for a fun twist! So many options!

So, what’s your favorite summer drink? Let’s swap recipes! 🍹

Arnold Palmer

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Arnold Palmer is a refreshing beverage that perfectly balances the bold flavors of brewed black tea and the sweetness of lemonade. This iconic drink, named after the legendary golfer, is ideal for quenching your thirst on a hot day or serving at gatherings. With its simple preparation and delightful taste, it brings together a harmonious blend of sweet and tart that’s sure to please everyone.

Author: Michael
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Category: Beverage
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 cup brewed black tea, cooled
1 cup lemonade
Ice cubes
Lemon slices, for garnish

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Instructions

Brew the black tea according to package instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled black tea and lemonade; stir well to mix.
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Arnold Palmer mixture over the ice.
Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon.
Serve immediately and enjoy!