Arnold Palmer
The Arnold Palmer is a beloved and remarkably simple beverage, consisting of half iced tea and half lemonade. Named after the legendary American golfer Arnold Palmer, this drink is celebrated for its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tannic flavors. It's an incredibly refreshing choice, especially popular during warm weather, for social gatherings, or as a classic thirst-quencher on the golf course.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Arnold Palmer is a classic non-alcoholic beverage, often classified as a mocktail or a specialty iced tea. It falls into the category of simple, refreshing mixed drinks perfect for any time of day. Its straightforward composition makes it a staple in the world of thirst-quenching beverages.
Serving
This refreshing, non-alcoholic drink is served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. The serving size is typically generous, around 12 ounces, to maximize its thirst-quenching quality.
Serving size
approx. 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV (non-alcoholic)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The drink's creation is attributed to the famous golfer Arnold Palmer, who was known to order it frequently. Legend has it that in the late 1960s at a golf club in Palm Springs, California, Palmer ordered a mix of iced tea and lemonade. A woman sitting nearby overheard him and ordered 'that Palmer drink,' and the name stuck, quickly spreading across the country.
Origin
United States, circa 1960s. The drink was popularized by and named after professional golfer Arnold Palmer.
Arnold Palmer
The drink is commonly known as an Arnold Palmer, but is also frequently called a 'Half and Half'. This latter name directly describes its composition of equal parts iced tea and lemonade. While Arnold Palmer is the most recognized name, Half and Half is also widely understood, particularly in certain regions of the United States.
Original name
Arnold Palmer
Alternative name
Half and Half
Characteristics overview
The Arnold Palmer has a perfectly balanced sweet and tart flavor profile, with distinct notes of lemon and black tea. It's a smooth, still, light-bodied beverage with a refreshing, clean aftertaste, making it an ideal summery drink.
Flavor
Sweet, tart, lemony, tea, refreshing, balanced
Aroma
Lemon, black tea
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, lingering sweet-tartness
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, light brown, cloudy, translucent
Texture
Smooth, watery, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The drink offers a balanced and moderate flavor intensity, where the sweetness of lemonade is perfectly countered by its sourness and the subtle bitterness from the iced tea. It is not alcoholic and typically not carbonated, making it an easy-drinking beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The classic Arnold Palmer requires just two simple ingredients: freshly brewed iced tea and high-quality lemonade. Typically, these are combined in equal parts for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Iced Tea120 ml / 4 ozFreshly brewed and chilled unsweetened black tea is recommended for the best flavor.
- Lemonade120 ml / 4 ozUse high-quality, fresh lemonade for a brighter taste.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed to make an Arnold Palmer. You can build it directly in the serving glass and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Bar spoon for stirring
Instructions
Making an Arnold Palmer is straightforward: simply fill a glass with ice, add equal parts iced tea and lemonade, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon slice.
1. Fill a Highball or Collins glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 4 oz (120 ml) of chilled iced tea into the glass.
3. Top with 4 oz (120 ml) of lemonade.
4. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or wedge.
6. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a fresh lemon wheel or wedge is perfect for the Arnold Palmer. It enhances the citrus aroma and adds to the visual appeal.
- Lemon wheel or wedge
Dietary Information
This drink contains caffeine from the tea but is otherwise dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. It is a suitable beverage for both vegans and vegetarians.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
An Arnold Palmer is relatively low in calories, around 100 kcal per serving. Most of its calories come from the sugar in the lemonade, with an average serving containing about 24 grams of sugar.
Calories
averagely 100 kcal / 418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 24 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Arnold Palmer is a versatile drink suitable for numerous casual occasions. It's a perfect refreshment for a hot summer day, a staple at barbecues and picnics, and famously enjoyed on the golf course. Its non-alcoholic nature makes it a great choice for any time of day.
- Summer day
- Barbecue
- Casual gathering
- Golf course
- Daily refreshment
Pairing suggestions
As a light and refreshing beverage, the Arnold Palmer pairs wonderfully with classic American summer fare. It complements grilled foods like burgers and barbecue, as well as sandwiches, salads, and salty snacks. Its balanced profile cuts through rich flavors without overpowering the food.
- Grilled foods (burgers, hot dogs)
- Sandwiches and salads
- Light pasta dishes
- Salty snacks
- Southern cuisine
The Arnold Palmer: A Refreshing Legend in a Glass
The Arnold Palmer is a quintessential American non-alcoholic beverage, celebrated for its refreshing simplicity. By combining equal parts iced tea and lemonade, it achieves a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and tannic notes. Named after the legendary golfer who popularized it, this drink has become a symbol of leisure and a staple at golf courses, summer barbecues, and casual gatherings. Its ease of preparation and universally appealing taste make it a timeless classic.