The Arnold Palmer is a refreshing drink that perfectly balances the tartness of lemonade with the robust flavor of iced tea. Named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, this drink has become a classic summer staple. Whether you prefer it non-alcoholic or spiked, this guide will provide everything you need to create the perfect Arnold Palmer for yourself and your guests.
Ingredients
For a Classic Arnold Palmer
- Iced Tea: 3 cups (unsweetened black tea is preferred)
- Lemonade: 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
- Ice: Enough to fill your glasses
- Optional Garnishes: Thin lemon slices or fresh mint leaves
For a Spiked Arnold Palmer
- Iced Tea: 1 ½ cups
- Lemonade: 1 ½ cups
- Vodka: 2 shots (or bourbon for a different twist)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (optional for sweetness)
- Garnish: Lemon wedge and thyme sprig
Grocery List
- Black tea bags (or loose leaf)
- Fresh lemons
- Sugar (if making homemade lemonade)
- Vodka or bourbon (if making a spiked version)
- Honey (optional)
- Fresh mint (optional)
Estimated Costs
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Black tea bags | $3.00 |
| Fresh lemons | $2.00 |
| Sugar | $1.00 |
| Vodka | $15.00 |
| Honey | $5.00 |
| Fresh mint | $2.00 |
| Total Cost | $28.00 |
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions
For a Classic Arnold Palmer
- Brew the Iced Tea:
- Boil 3 cups of water and steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Make Lemonade:
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with ½ cup of sugar over low heat until dissolved.
- Remove from heat, add ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and let cool.
- Combine and Serve:
- Fill a pitcher with ice.
- Pour equal parts iced tea and lemonade over the ice.
- Stir gently and garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves.
For a Spiked Arnold Palmer
- Prepare the Drink:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add honey, vodka, and half lemonade/half iced tea mixture.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Serve:
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and thyme sprig.
Nutritional Information
For a classic Arnold Palmer (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 269
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Sugars: 68g
- Protein: 0g
For a spiked version, adding vodka increases the calorie count slightly depending on the amount used.
Side Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Are Key: Using fresh lemons and brewed tea will significantly enhance the flavor of your drink.
- Customize Your Tea: Experiment with different types of tea like green or herbal for unique flavors.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare a pitcher of Arnold Palmer in advance for parties; it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar in your lemonade or skip it altogether if you prefer less sweetness.
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Embrace the refreshing taste of an Arnold Palmer this season—it’s not just a drink; it’s an experience!
