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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Arnold Palmer (drink)

The Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic mixed drink made from iced tea and lemonade, usually in equal parts.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The Arnold Palmer is a classic non-alcoholic drink made from iced tea and lemonade. Named after the golfer, it's a popular summer refreshment in Canada and the US.

What it is

A simple blend of iced tea and lemonade, usually in equal parts, served over ice. It belongs to the mocktail family and is best known in North American food culture as a summertime staple.

Why it matters

The drink is widely recognized in Canadian cafés, restaurants, and home recipes. Its association with golfer Arnold Palmer and its easy, non-alcoholic nature make it a go‑to refreshment for all ages.

Key details

The standard recipe uses equal parts iced tea and lemonade. Variations include a spiked version with whiskey or vodka, and the drink is also called half and half or fifty‑fifty. It became popular in the United States during the 1960s.

In short

  • Combines iced tea and lemonade in equal parts.
  • Named after golfer Arnold Palmer.
  • Non‑alcoholic, with optional spiked versions.
  • Common summer drink in Canada since the 1960s.
Canadian angle

The Arnold Palmer is widely recognized in Canadian English-language food and beverage culture as a summer non-alcoholic drink, especially in cafés, restaurants, and home recipes.

Quick questions

What is an Arnold Palmer drink?
A cold non-alcoholic drink made from iced tea and lemonade, usually mixed in equal parts.
Why is it called an Arnold Palmer?
It is named after golfer Arnold Palmer, who was strongly associated with the drink and reportedly ordered it often.
Is an Arnold Palmer alcoholic?
No, the standard version is non-alcoholic, though spiked versions are also made.

Sources

  1. Delish — https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a29813418/arnold-palmer-drink-recipe/
    Supports: Describes the drink as half tea and half lemonade and notes it is named after golfer Arnold Palmer.
  2. The Spruce Eats — https://www.thespruceeats.com/arnold-palmer-mocktail-recipe-760357
    Supports: Explains the beverage as iced tea and lemonade and discusses its 1960s popularity and origin story.
  3. The Kitchn — https://www.thekitchn.com/arnold-palmer-drink-23727323
    Supports: States that the drink is also called half and half or fifty-fifty and links it to Arnold Palmer.
  4. Taste of Home — https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lemonade-iced-tea/
    Supports: Describes the Arnold Palmer as iced tea and lemonade and gives a widely cited origin story.