Arnold Palmer Drink (Iced Tea Lemonade & Sunjoy)

5 from 125 votes

The Arnold Palmer is a refreshing, non-alcoholic summer drink made with a combination of lemonade and iced tea. It’s simple, but there’s way more to it than just half iced tea, half lemonade. The right ratio is absolutely key to making this classic drink! Once you nail it, experiment with one of its many variations.

two arnold palmers and a cutting board with lemons

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About this classic Arnold Palmer Drink recipe

Salt or pepper? Peanut butter or jelly? Cream or sugar? Well, why should you have to decide? The best of both worlds is always better, in my opinion.

The same is true for lemonade and iced tea. These two go together like a horse and carriage.

Did you know that if you mix these two together it’s called an Arnold Palmer? It was the famous golfer’s favorite drink. It’s also known as a “Sunjoy” at Chick-Fil-A and the “iced tea lemonade” at Starbucks.

Whatever you call it, it’s a classic summer drink. Let’s get to know the history, how to make it and the best ratio.

Why you’ll love this recipe

If you can never decide between tea and lemonade, this drink is for you! I think you will love it because…

  1. Iced tea and lemonade are two of the most refreshing drinks out there. Together, they’re a force!
  2. Though you can buy it at the store, perfecting the perfect Arnold Palmer ratio is even better.
  3. You can tweak the recipe with your favorite type of tea, preferred sweetness level, additional flavors or even a little alcohol to spike it.

This drink is perfect for a hot summer day, and works well for all kinds of summer parties.

an arnold palmer with a green and white straw

The Arnold Palmer drink, explained

The Arnold Palmer drink is named for the professional American golfer, Arnold Palmer. Nicknamed “The King,” he was one of the sport’s most popular players who won 62 PGA Tour Titles between 1955 and 1973.

He often ordered and drank a combination of lemonade and unsweet iced tea, which earned the nickname of “The Arnold Palmer.” I can see why he loved it — it’s perfect for a hot day on the golf course!

Even though Palmer died in 2016, the drink named for him lives on. However, there are a few other names for this non-alcoholic beverage.

  1. First there’s the Winnie Palmer, named for Arnold Palmer’s first wife. This recipe uses sweet iced tea instead of unsweet.
  2. The restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A has its own version of the drink called the Sunjoy that uses sweetened iced tea, though customers can customize it with unsweetened tea or diet lemonade.
  3. At Starbucks, the drink is called the Iced Tea Lemonade and is made with black tea and lemonade, then sweetened with simple syrup. Starbucks baristas can customize it with flavored teas and syrups to make different flavor combinations on this delicious drink.
  4. And if you add alcohol — usually vodka — it’s called a John Daly, named for another famous professional golfer.

However you make it and whatever you call it, this iced tea lemonade recipe is the ultimate summer beverage full of ice-cold refreshment. It is definitely one of the summer classics!

a hand holding 10 tea bags

Ingredients

Besides ice, you only need two simple ingredients to make an iced black tea lemonade — regular black tea and lemonade! Pick them up from your local grocery stores or get the ingredients to make them yourself.

Lemonade

Along with iced tea, sweet and tart lemonade is the co-star of this refreshing drink.

You can use store-bought lemonade, absolutely, or even a lemonade concentrate. But a drink is only as good as its ingredients, and when there are only two, quality matters.

I have found the best lemonade to be a homemade lemonade recipe made with fresh lemon juice and pure sugar.

However, a store-bought works just as well. An organic lemonade or a brand with a short ingredient list will probably taste the best. Keep an eye out for concentrates and strange ingredients.

Iced tea

Technically the Arnold Palmer uses unsweetened black tea, but if you want a sweeter drink you can use sweet tea.

Personally, I like to use cold-brew iced tea. I love this method because it’s not as bitter as hot-brewed tea that has cooled down. It is made with cold water, black tea bags (or loose-leaf tea). It takes some time to steep but it makes a big difference in flavor.

You can also make tea with boiling hot water. You will need 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea for every 6 to 8 ounces of water, depending on the desired strength. Let the tea steep and then discard tea bags when it’s your desired flavor.

Usually iced tea lemonades are made with black tea, but if you want to get creative and try this with green tea or herbal tea, you absolutely can.

a lemon in an arnold palmer drink

Best ratio for an Arnold Palmer

The best ratio for an Arnold Palmer comes down to personal preference. There are a few ratios to try:

  • 1:1 — Fill the glass with ice, then fill it with half lemonade and half tea.
  • 1:2 — Add lemonade ⅓ of the way with lemonade, then top with tea.
  • 1:3 — Fill the glass ¼ full of lemonade, then top with tea.

My favorite ratio is the 1:2 ratio, because it feels perfectly balanced to me!

How to make an Arnold Palmer

The Arnold Palmer is a super simple recipe! This two-ingredient drink is a delightfully refreshing beverage no matter what ratio you use.

  1. Fill a glass with ice. You can use a short glass or a tall glass.
  2. Pour in lemonade, about halfway or your favorite ratio. Then top with your favorite iced tea.
  3. Stir it up, garnish your lemonade iced tea with lemon slices, fresh mint leaves or fresh fruit.
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Tips & tricks

  1. The ratio you use will depend on how sweet you like your Arnold Palmer drinks. If you are using unsweetened iced tea, it can help to tamp down on the sweetness of the lemonade.
  2. For more lemon flavor, stick to the half-and-half ratio or use less tea.
  3. To prevent ice watering it down, try making tea ice cubes that will melt into a stronger tea flavor.
lemons and mint in a glass of iced tea lemonade

Variations and substitutions

There are so many ways you can make this sweet tea lemonade recipe!

Winnie Palmer: Use sweet tea instead of unsweetened tea.

John Daly / Spiked Arnold Palmer: Add 1 ½ounces of vodka and shake it up in a cocktail shaker *. You could also use rum or limoncello.

Sugar-free Arnold Palmer: Use your favorite sugar-free sweetener, such as Stevia, to make your own lemonade and iced tea.

Arnold Palmer Punch: Multiply the recipe and serve it in a large pitcher to make a big batch for a party.

Flavored Arnold Palmer: Add some pizzazz to this easy drink by adding a flavored lemonade or a flavorful iced tea. Try subbing in one of these options:

Another great option is to add some flavored simple syrup for an extra layer of flavor.

arnold palmer drink on a white background

What to serve with Arnold Palmers

Arnold Palmers are a great afternoon drink, when you just need a pick-me-up! It’s great on its own or with snacks.

FAQ

What is in an Arnold Palmer drink?

The Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic drink made with unsweetened iced tea and lemonade. If you make it with sweet tea, it’s called a Winnie Palmer, named for the golfer Arnold Palmer’s wife.

What liquor is in an Arnold Palmer spiked?

Vodka is typically used to make a spiked Arnold Palmer. The boozy version is called a John Daly, named for another famous golfer. However, you could also use rum, bourbon whiskey or tequila and it would still taste great.

What is another name for an Arnold Palmer?

The Arnold Palmer is sometimes called an iced tea lemonade. At Starbucks, you can order an iced black tea lemonade. At Chick-fil-A, it is called a Sunjoy. When alcohol, typically vodka, is added, it’s called a John Daly. Both Arnold Palmer and John Daly were golfers said to order their respective drinks. When made with sweetened iced tea, it’s called a Winnie Palmer, named for Palmer’s wife.

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two arnold palmers and a cutting board with lemons

Arnold Palmer Drink (Iced Tea Lemonade)

Yield: 6 ounces
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cool down on a hot day with an Arnold Palmer drink, an iced tea lemonade combination that is full of refreshment.
5 from 125 votes
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ingredients

  • 2 ounces lemonade
  • 4 ounces iced tea unsweetened
  • 1 slice lemon for garnish
  • 1 sprig fresh mint

instructions

  • Fill a glass with ice. You can use a short glass or a tall glass.
  • Pour in lemonade, then top with your favorite iced tea.
  • Stir it up, garnish your lemonade iced tea with lemon slices, fresh mint leaves or fresh fruit.

notes

The best ratio for an Arnold Palmer: This comes down to personal preference. There are a few ratios to try:
  • 1:1 — Fill the glass with ice, then fill it with half lemonade and half tea.
  • 1:2 — Add lemonade ⅓ of the way with lemonade, then top with tea.
  • 1:3 — Fill the glass ¼ full of lemonade, then top with tea.
The one you like best will depend on how sweet you like your Arnold Palmer drinks. If you are using unsweetened iced tea, it can help to tamp down on the sweetness of the lemonade. If you prefer more lemon flavor, stick to the half-and-half ratio or use less tea.
Variations and substitutions
  • Winnie Palmer: Use sweet tea instead of unsweetened tea.
  • John Daly / Spiked Arnold Palmer: Add 1½ ounces of vodka and shake it up in a cocktail shaker. You could also use rum or limoncello.
  • Sugar-free Arnold Palmer: Use your favorite sugar-free sweetener, such as Stevia, in homemade lemonade and iced tea.
  • Arnold Palmer Punch: Multiply the recipe and serve it in a large pitcher to make a big batch for a party.
  • Flavored Arnold Palmer: Add some pizzazz to this easy drink by adding a flavored lemonade or a flavorful iced tea.

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nutrition information

Yield: 6 ounces

amount per serving:

Serving: 6ounces Calories: 12kcal Carbohydrates: 3g Sodium: 1mg Potassium: 2mg Sugar: 3g Calcium: 1mg
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About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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