Arnold Palmer Drink

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A refreshing blend of iced tea and lemonade, the Arnold Palmer can be enjoyed both on and off the links.

“If that’s his original ball, I’m Arnold Palmer.”

It all comes back to Bond, doesn’t it? In the 1964 classic Goldfinger, James Bond and the titular villain share a civilized game of golf. When it is discovered that Mr. Goldfinger is cheating with the help of his henchman/caddie Oddjob, 007’s own looper makes the sarcastic remark from above. The first time I saw this film was when it was featured as the “Sunday Night Movie” back in the heyday of network television. These broadcasts were events, and I was excited all week, counting down the days until I’d finally see what is arguably the most famous James Bond movie.

It’s also the night I learned who Arnold Palmer was, based on that line. “A famous golfer”, was what my parents told me after I enquired. And that was all I needed to know. Until years later, when I started working on a golf course in the cart barn of the clubhouse, constantly hearing players ordering Arnold Palmer after Arnold Palmer. These fellas liked their booze, so I assumed this was a cocktail of some kind. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Sometime in the 1960s, famed professional golfer Arnold Palmer began getting noticed ordering a combination of lemonade and unsweetened iced tea. The story goes that one afternoon in Palm Springs, a woman overheard the sportsman order his preferred beverage, then asked for one herself, calling it “that Arnold Palmer drink”. Over time, courses and clubhouses all over the country and world began featuring the Arnold Palmer on their drink menu.

The mixture became so popular that these days you can walk into any grocery or convenience store and find a mass-produced Arnold Palmer on the shelf or in the cooler.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In An Arnold Palmer?

This is a drink that only features lemonade and unsweetened black tea. So not only can a grown-up enjoy this refreshing beverage, a kid can too. If you feel like adding some of the harder stuff to this recipe, what you end up with is called a John Daly. If you follow golf or the history of the sport, you’ll probably understand why.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Any tall glass that’s filled with ice will do nicely for your Arnold Palmer. Pop a few straws in if you like, and garnish the rim with a lemon wheel.

WHAT IS A “HALF & HALF”?

A “Half & Half” is sometimes confused for an Arnold Palmer. But where the Palmer uses unsweetened iced tea, a Half & Half will be mixed with a sweet variety. Also, Arnold Palmer himself is said to have liked his drink mixed with three parts tea to one part lemonade, and versions made with 50/50 proportions are sometimes also considered a Half & Half.

Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks Worth Trying

Looking to take a break from the booze? Or maybe you’re throwing a family-friendly gathering and require a beverage that both the children and adults can enjoy? Twist & Toast has a nice array of mocktails and non-alcoholic recipes that’ll keep the party fun, while satisfying everybody’s taste buds. Try these out at your next shindig.

• Disneyland Mint Julep – Make your backyard the happiest place on Earth with this tasty and thirst-quenching recipe.
• Virgin Mojito – Enjoy a glass or two of this sparkling, minty and booze-free drink.
• Virgin Margarita – Here’s a version of the classic cocktail everyone can enjoy.
• Jalapeño Paloma Mocktail – This bubbly mixture is both spicy and refreshing.