
The Arnold Palmer is perhaps one of the greatest combinations of beverages out there. There’s simplicity in this refreshing, easy drink made with just one part crisp lemonade and one part sweet tea. Since the drink gained popularity in the 1960s after the American golfer Arnold Palmer was known to order this specialty drink, it’s now become a staple summertime beverage, but trust us when we say, it's great all year long. In this recipe, the classic is made even better with a splash of vodka, making it a fun cocktail for any occasion, from game day to a boozy brunch. Read on for our tips on how to make it the best it can be.
Speaking of game day, for Super Bowl LIX this year, we whipped up a batch of these and calling them "3-Peat Palmers" to celebrate the Chiefs potential to win for the third time in a row. Check out exactly how it comes together on our TikTok, and go Kansas!
Lemonade & tea:
While you can certainly make this drink with store-bought lemonade and iced tea, it shines with fresh ingredients. First, make the tea by brewing black tea and pouring the tea over ice. Then sweeten it with demerara sugar or cane sugar and chill for at least an hour. Make fresh lemonade with the juice from 4 lemons, water, and simple syrup. Fresh lemonade can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.
Simple syrup:
The benefit of using simple syrup in this recipe and other cocktails is that the sugar disperses better throughout the drink, rather than just adding granulated sugar. Bring equal parts water and sugar to a simmer and whisk the sugar until completely dissolved into the water until the mixture has a cloudy appearance. Simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a few months. Simple syrup has countless uses, so use up the extra syrup for cold brew, non-alcholohic beverages, or a variety of cocktails.
Layer it!
This cocktail is great batched out, so feel free to scale up the recipe and serve in a pitcher. For the layered effect, be sure to pour in the lemonade first and then slowly top the drink with chilled iced tea. Garnish with fresh mint and serve!
Made this drink? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Ingredients
Iced Tea
- 3
black tea teabags or 3 tbsp. loose black tea
- 3 cups
hot water (about 205°)
Ice
- 2 tsp.
demerara sugar or cane sugar
Lemonade
- 2 cups
water
- 6 oz.
fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
- 6 oz.
Assembly
Ice
- 3 oz.
vodka
Sliced lemon and fresh mint sprigs, for serving
Directions
Iced Tea
- Step 1In a medium pot over medium heat, brew tea and hot water until infused, 3 to 4 minutes. Strain tea into a small ice-filled pitcher.
- Step 2Add sugar, stir to combine, then top off with more ice, if needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Lemonade
In another pitcher or large measuring cup, stir water, lemon juice, and simple syrup until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assembly
- Step 1Fill 2 chilled highball or rocks glasses halfway with ice. Top off with vodka.
- Step 2Add 3 ounces lemonade to each glass, then slowly pour in 3 ounces iced tea for the layered effect. Garnish with a lemon slice and mint sprig.