Arnold Palmer Recipe

Combine and dissolve

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is just coming to a simmer (about 3–5 minutes). Do not boil hard—just heat until clear.

Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate until needed. Yields about 1 cup; if you need the full 1 cup called for in the drink, you may let the syrup concentrate slightly by reducing for another minute before cooling.

Brew

Bring about 6 cups of water to just under boiling and steep 6 standard black tea bags (or 6 teaspoons loose black tea) for 4–5 minutes for a strong brew. Remove tea bags or strain leaves and allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (at least 30 minutes).

If you prefer iced tea faster, brew double-strength with less water and cool over an ice bath, but avoid diluting with too much ice in the final drink.

Mix pitcher

In a large pitcher, combine 6 cups chilled black tea, 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 cup chilled simple syrup, and 2 cups cold water. Stir well to integrate. Taste and adjust sweetness: add more simple syrup (up to 1/2 cup more) for sweeter, or add up to 1/2 cup more water for milder lemon.

Chill

Refrigerate the mixed pitcher for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to marry and to get fully cold.

Serve

Fill individual glasses with ice (about 1 cup per glass). Pour the Arnold Palmer over ice (about 12–14 oz per serving). Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and an optional mint sprig. Stir briefly before drinking.

Leftover pitcher keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake before serving; if separation occurs, pour through a strainer to remove pulp or sediment.