The Recipe · No.1049 · Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Mocktail)
Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Mocktail), and where to source it
The classic is heavier on tea than lemonade, not a fifty-fifty split. Go about two parts tea to one part lemonade so the tea's tannin stays the backbone and the lemonade just brightens it. Even it out and the whole thing tastes flat and sugary.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook0 min
Makesmakes 1
CuisineClassic
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Unsweetened iced tea
Brew real black tea and let it cool, don't use the powdered mix. Its tannin is the backbone, so it needs actual body.
6 ozrecommended
Local / market
Lemonade
Fresh-squeezed lemon with a little sugar and water beats the bottled stuff, which reads as pure candy.
3 ozrecommended
Local / market
Fresh lemon
A wheel for the rim wakes up the nose before the first sip.
1 wheelrecommended
Local / market
Ice
Big cubes. Fine ice melts fast and dilutes the tea's tannin to weak water.
1 glassrecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
BuildFill a tall glass with ice. Pour the tea in first, then the lemonade on top.
StirOne quick stir to marry them. Taste and add a splash more lemonade if you want it brighter.
GarnishHang a lemon wheel on the rim and serve cold.
Can you make Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Mocktail) in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Mocktail)? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Mocktail) ahead of time? — Partly
The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.
Is Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Mocktail) gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Mocktail) vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Made it, tweaked it, or recognize which restaurant this tastes like? Leave a note — first-name basis, no account.
Open data. Every maker on this site is published as a free dataset under CC BY 4.0 — use it in anything, commercial or not, as long as you credit 5best2buy. Browse the datasets →