Arnold Palmer is revered as a legend in the golfing world and has gone down as one of the greatest players in the game’s history. I had heard of the guy. Did I know that there was a drink called Arnold Palmer that is the genius combination of iced tea and lemonade? I did. Did I make the connection that perhaps, remotely, that the drink had something to do with him? I’m afraid not. I’ve been drinking it for years now, simply calling it ‘iced tea’. If I’d have come up with it though, I would definitely have called it iced tee. But then, you knew that.
The equation couldn’t be simpler : 50% lemonade + 50% freshly brewed tea = Arnold Palmer. If you’re looking to make it into a cocktail, add some vodka and an Arnold Palmer miraculously turns into a John Daly! I admit that sometimes when I’m out at a restaurant I end up ordering an Arnold Palmer (called iced tea here) knowing that I might end up with a pre-mix. But for a home staple however, I will never go in for a pre-mix, and neither should you. All it takes is 3 ingredients and a few simple steps, and you are guaranteed a great summer drink. Want more inspiration? Here are a few variations : Peach iced tea, Lime and Basil iced tea.
- 5 cups water
- 3 tea bags
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp sugar
- Juice of 3 limes/lemons
- Ice cubes to serve
- Mint leaves (optional)
- Bring 3 cups of water to the boil in a pot. Turn off the heat and immerse the tea bags into the water; clamp on a lid immediately. Steep the bags in the water for no more than 2 minutes (it turns bitter if left on for longer). Remove and discard. Add the sugar to the tea at this point to easily dissolve it.
- Juice the limes into the remaining 2 cups of water and add it to the tea and sugar mixture. Taste and adjust sweetness and acidity. Pour into a jug and refrigerate.
- To serve, add ice cubes into glasses and pour over the tea. Garnish with mint leaves and slices of fresh lemon/lime.
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