Arnold Palmer

Make your homemade Iced Tea:

1. Boil water in a kettle
2. Once the water has boiled, pour it over your tea bags in a heat-proof container. 
3. Let the tea steep for around 3-5 minutes, depending on the strength you desire.
4. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature
5. Once the tea has cooled, transfer it to a refrigerator, allowing it to chill for at least 1-2 hours.

Arnold Palmer Drink Can – Ready to Go

For a quick and convenient Arnold Palmer, canned options are a lifesaver. Arizona’s Arnold Palmer Half & Half is a staple, offering a reliable mix of iced tea and lemonade. Honest Tea also makes a good one, focusing on organic and fair trade ingredients. However, my top pick has to be Snapple’s “Takes 2 to Mango” tea. It mixes mango tea with lemonade, adding a tropical flair to the traditional recipe without going overboard on sugar.

Variation with Alcohol – the Spiked Arnold Palmer

An Arnold Palmer with alcohol, often called a “John Daly,” is a spiked version of the classic iced tea and lemonade blend. It adds a kick of alcohol to the traditional, non-alcoholic drink, making it a more adult-friendly option. Vodka is a popular choice for the alcohol as it goes well with the iced tea and lemonade.

Best Vodka for an Arnold Palmer Drink

The vodka you choose can make or break your Spiked Arnold Palmer drink. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is a solid pick. It’s gluten-free, distilled from corn, and has a clean, neutral profile that lets the iced tea and lemonade shine. Grey Goose is another option, offering a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the citrus notes in the lemonade. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on quality, Smirnoff No. 21 is the way to go.

Arnold Palmer Drink Variations

Curious about new takes? We share some of our favorite picks:

• Green Tea Arnold Palmer: This blend combines green tea with the classic lemonade, offering a more herbal and slightly earthy taste. The green tea provides a refreshing twist, making it lighter and less sweet. I appreciate the subtle, natural flavors of green tea in this mix; it’s invigorating and a great alternative for a less sugary experience.
• Arnold Palmer Slushie: This is a frozen version, blending the traditional lemonade and iced tea into a slushy consistency. It’s perfect for hot days, offering a fun, icy twist on the original. The slushy texture is something I enjoy; it’s playful and makes for a cooling, delightful sip.
• John Daly Drink: Essentially an ‘adult’ take, this introduces vodka into the classic mix of lemonade and iced tea. The addition of vodka lends a bit of a kick, making it suitable for evenings or social gatherings.
• Boozy Arnold Palmer: Similar to the John Daly, this one also introduces alcohol, but often with a twist of added flavors like lemon or mint. The presence of these extra elements brings a new layer of complexity and refreshment.
• Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer: This version infuses the timeless blend with peach flavor and bourbon. The peach adds a sweet, fruity touch, while the bourbon brings a warm, oaky depth. The combination of peach and bourbon is what I find most appealing; it’s a harmonious blend of sweetness and richness, creating a sumptuous and satisfying beverage.

History and Origin of the Arnold Palmer Drink

The Arnold Palmer Drink owes its name and popularity to Arnold Palmer, the legendary American golfer. In the 1960s, Arnold Palmer walked into a restaurant and ordered a blend of iced tea and lemonade. A woman sitting nearby overheard him and ordered “that Palmer drink,” and the name stuck. The golfer had a specific way of preparing it: he mixed three parts of iced tea with one part of lemonade. Over time, the drink gained immense popularity on and off the golf course.

The beverage became so popular that it eventually led to commercial production, with Arnold Palmer endorsing a line of ready-to-drink versions. Today, you can find the Arnold Palmer in restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores, solidifying its place as a refreshing staple in American drink culture.