The Arnold Palmer Drink is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, offering a refreshing non-alcoholic choice for summer. It's crafted with equal parts of lemonade and iced tea, served chilled with ice cubes and a lemon slice. Named after the renowned golfer Arnold Palmer, who favored this drink, it's an ideal choice for cooling down on hot days or as a pleasing beverage for gatherings and parties.
Stir in ¼ cup of black tea powder or place 6 black tea bags into the water, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, turn off the heat and cover the saucepan, allowing the tea to steep for another 3 minutes.
Remove the lid, and if you've used tea powder, strain the tea into a pitcher; if you've used tea bags, simply take them out.
Finally, pour 6 cups of cold water into the pitcher to dilute the tea. Place it in the refrigerator to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
To make Lemonade
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water.
Mix the sugar and water well in the saucepan, then bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the sugar syrup from heat and allow it to cool down.
Cut all the lemons in half and transfer them to a bowl.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and use a fork, spoon, lemon skewer, handheld squeezer, or citrus press to squeeze the juice from the lemons. The number of lemons used should yield about 2 cups of juice.
Mix the pulp collected in the strainer thoroughly to extract as much juice as possible.
In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the lemon juice, the reserved sugar syrup, and 2 cups of water. Mix well, then refrigerate the mixture until it's ready to be served.
In a serving glass, place a lemon slice and some ice cubes. Pour in the chilled lemonade. Then, pour the reserved iced tea on top of it. Your fresh Homemade Arnold Palmer Drink is now ready to be savored and enjoyed.
To Serve
Serve this Arnold Palmer Drink as a refreshing summer beverage or as a delightful treat for gatherings and parties.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Arnold Palmer Drink:
Freshness Counts: For the most flavorful and aromatic drink, prepare a fresh batch of lemonade and iced tea. This step ensures the best taste for your Arnold Palmer.
Ideal Ratio: A classic Arnold Palmer is made with equal parts lemonade and iced tea. This 1:1 ratio provides a balanced blend of both flavors. Feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your personal taste preferences.
Time-Saving Option: If you're short on time, using store-bought lemonade and iced tea is a convenient alternative. This option offers a quick way to enjoy the drink without significantly affecting the taste.
Origin of 'Half and Half': The Arnold Palmer Drink is often referred to as 'Arnold Palmer Half and Half' because it is traditionally made with equal parts lemonade and iced tea. This half-and-half composition is key to its unique flavor and namesake.