Arnold Palmer Mocktail: Your Summer-in-a-Glass Moment

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By Alex

Posted on

Refreshing iced tea with lemon and mint on a beachside table under palm trees.

Mocktails

Difficulty

Easy

Prep time

Easy

Total time

15

Servings

4

That golden hour glow hits different when you’ve got something ice cold lemonade in hand. Not wine, not soda, just a mix that actually feels like summer in a glass. That’s where the Arnold Palmer Mocktail shows up and kinda steals the whole vibe.

No alcohol, no drama… iced tea and lemonade coming together like they were meant to be. It’s sweet but not too sweet, bold but still light and it tastes like the start of something good.

Perfect for grill nights book days or just laying flat on a picnic blanket doing absolutely nothing. This drink shows up for all of it and makes it feel a little more fun.

And since it’s booze free everyone gets in on the good stuff. No side eye, no awkward drinks table just a pitcher that keeps the party easy.

Where The Arnold Palmer Came From

So the story goes… Arnold Palmer, yeah the golf guy, walked into a bar one day and asked for half iced tea, half lemonade. No fancy name, no viral moment just a casual drink order. But people caught on fast.

It was simple but smart and honestly kind of iconic. No alcohol but still felt like a drink with personality. Soon folks were ordering “an Arnold Palmer” like it was on the menu even when it wasn’t.

Now it’s pretty much the go-to for anyone who wants something refreshing that’s not just juice or soda. It’s the drink version of laid back but still cute. A little sweet a little punchy and super easy to love.

Tips to make it at home

This isn’t rocket science but a few small tweaks can make your Arnold Palmer Mocktail go from “meh” to “make another one right now.” Here’s how to do it right.

  • Brew it strong: Use extra tea bags so the tea flavor doesn’t disappear under the lemonade
  • Chill everything first: Cold ingredients mix better and taste way fresher
  • Balance it your way: More lemonade makes it sweeter more tea makes it smoother
  • Garnish for bonus points: A lemon slice or a mint sprig makes it look and taste better
  • Don’t skimp on ice: This one needs a full glass of ice or it just won’t hit the same
  • Batch it up: Keep a pitcher in the fridge so you’re always two seconds from a refill
  • Add a citrus boost: If your tea feels flat a little squeeze of lemon wakes it up fast

Foods To Pair It With

Refreshing lemon and mint iced tea in a glass on a wooden table. Arnold Palmer Mocktail

The Arnold Palmer Mocktail isn’t just for sipping solo…it totally shines next to the right snacks or meals. Go for fresh bold flavors or anything with a little salt or char. Here’s what works best:

Grilled burgers: Beef veggie turkey doesn’t matter this drink levels it out

Caprese salad: Juicy tomatoes creamy mozzarella and basil are a whole vibe with it

BBQ chicken: That smoky sweet mix plus this drink? Yes please

Fruit skewers: Watermelon pineapple strawberries all love a citrusy sidekick

Potato chips: Trust the combo salty crunch plus sweet tea is weirdly amazing

Lemon bars: Citrus on citrus but in a good way not overkill

Need some ALCOHOL-FREE spirits for your mocktails? Why not try one of these?

The Free Spirits Company

OR Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits.

One of these is bound to have what you need !

How to Make a Classic Arnold Palmer Mocktail

Arnold Palmer drink with lemon and mint garnish in a glass on a table. Refreshing iced tea and lemonade beverage.

The Arnold Palmer Mocktail is a light, refreshing beverage that perfectly balances the bold taste of brewed tea with the sweetness and acidity of lemonade. It’s both cooling and invigorating, making it an ideal drink choice for warm weather.

What’s cool about this drink is how easy it is to tweak. Like it more tart? Lean into the lemonade.

Want a softer edge? Add more tea.

You could even get a little fancy and swap in some hibiscus tea or a lavender lemonade situation if you’re feelin’ extra.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Brewed black tea, cooled
  • 2 cups Lemonade, chilled
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brew the Tea: Start by brewing black tea according to package instructions. Let it cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a pitcher, combine the cooled black tea and lemonade. Stir well to mix the flavors together.
  3. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Arnold Palmer mixture over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.
  4. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing drink on a hot day!

Prep Times:

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for brewing tea)
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information:

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 51 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g

Arnold Palmer Variations To Try

Once you’ve nailed the classic mix it’s kinda hard not to start playing with it. This drink’s base is so chill and flexible you can remix it like five different ways without messing it up. Try one of these when you’re feeling a little extra:

Use hibiscus tea: It gives it a deep pink color and a floral twist

Go green tea: Lighter flavor and a little caffeine kick without going full coffee

Add sparkling lemonade: Bubbles make everything feel fancier

Mix in peach juice: Sweet fruity and very porch-sippable

Try lavender lemonade: Pairs well with chamomile tea for spa-day vibes

Freeze tea into cubes: Keeps the drink cold without watering it down at all

Like this Arnold Palmer Mocktail? Why not try some other non-alcoholic drinks like a pina colada mocktail or an apple margarita?

To Pin for later:

Refreshing Arnold Palmer drink with mint leaves and lemon slice in a glass.
Yield: 4

Arnold Palmer Mocktail Recipe

Refreshing lemon and mint iced tea in a glass on a wooden table.

Whether it's brunch, baby showers, or a solo chill session, this non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer Mocktail is always the right choice.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Brewed black tea, cooled
  • 2 cups Lemonade, chilled
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brew the Tea: Start by brewing black tea according to package instructions. Let it cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a pitcher, combine the cooled black tea and lemonade. Stir well to mix the flavors together.
  3. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Arnold Palmer mixture over the ice.
  4. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.
  5. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing drink on a hot day!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 51Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

About the author: Alex

Alex is the creator behind Mocktails ‘n Cocktails, where he stirs up drink inspiration for every kind of host, from the cocktail curious to the sober celebrators. With a love for great flavor and zero fuss, he’s here to help you host gatherings that feel warm, run smoothly and bring people together - no stress required.
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