Dive into the delightful world of Arnold Palmer drinks; a fusion of iced tea and lemonade that tantalizes your taste buds with its sweet, tangy allure. Ordering an Arnold Palmer at a restaurant might not deliver the true, refreshing experience you crave.
Often, these mixed beverages fall short due to subpar ingredients. Powdered tea or lemon flavoring can leave a tinny, artificial aftertaste. On the flip side, overstepped tea bags can turn your beverage bitter, overshadowing the lemon’s zest.
In this guide, we brig to you the ultimate Arnold Palmer recipe, and you can make it effortlessly right in your kitchen.
What Is An Arnold Palmer Drink?
The name pays homage to the legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer, who was said to frequent golf clubs with this concoction. Legend has it that a curious lady observing him coined the term “Palmer drink,” and history was made.
Invented in the 1960s, this classic blend marries the sweet, robust notes of tea with the rejuvenating mix of real lemon juice and slices. It’s a non-alcoholic masterpiece, with a mocktail vibe for sunny days. And guess what? It’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, thanks to those fresh lemon slices and black tea.
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Making The Drink
Creating this drink is a breeze, and the real secret lies in the ratios. Once you find your sweet spot, you’ll be serving up an Arnold Palmer refreshment to your heart’s content.
The Recipe
- Single Serving:
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Yields: 1 drink
- Key Ingredients: Ice, lemonade, Iced tea
- Ice: Start with ice cubes in a highball glass. Round or shaved ice adds a touch of elegance to your beverage.
- Lemonade: In a mixing glass, stir together ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice with 2 ounces of water and ½ ounce of your preferred sweetener (think natural choices like maple syrup or honey). Avoid consuming processed sugars such as simple syrup or white sugar. Alternatively, use 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of pre-made organic lemonade with a hint of sweetness.
- Iced Tea: Add 9 ounces (1 cup) of unsweetened loose-leaf iced tea to your lemonade mix and fill the glass.
- Stirring: Gently stir the contents in your glass to ensure an even blend of flavors.
- Garnish: Enrich your drink with a sprig of fresh mint or some lemon slices for a burst of color and aroma.
Pitcher Preparation: Iced Tea Without Tea Bags
This method employs the cold brew technique, which produces richer flavors and more nutrients than traditional tea bags. Here’s how to make your iced tea:
- Add 7-10 teaspoons of high-quality loose-leaf tea to a 50-ounce pitcher
- Begin by carefully pouring 2 cups of filtered hot water, followed by 4 cups of filtered cold water into the pitcher.
- Gently stir the mixture and place the pitcher in the refrigerator for a 2-6 hour steeping process. Once adequately chilled, your iced tea is ready for the perfect Arnold Palmer.
Making Homemade Lemonade
For your lemonade, the rule is 1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice to 4 parts water. If you’re entertaining a crowd, simply multiply the lemon juice and water, such as 2 cups of lemon juice to 8 cups of water. Chill it in the fridge and ensure a quick stir before serving it.
Final Tips
Take your Arnold Palmer to new heights with these tips:
- Homemade Lemonade: Fresh ingredients, like homemade lemon juice and lemon slices, would always be the best options. Opt for an all-natural, organic, low-sugar store-bought lemonade.
- Homemade Iced Tea: Loose-leaf tea surpasses tea bags, because it has great flavor and nutrients.
- Extra Lemon Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving is just the best
- Sweeten to Taste: Customize sweetness by drizzling a touch of maple syrup or honey. Enjoy the refreshing symphony of your personalized Arnold Palmer.