An Arnold Palmer is half iced tea, half lemonade — one of those combinations that is greater than the sum of its parts. This dry mix version captures that same balance in a pantry-stable jar you can stir into cold water anytime, no brewing required.
It is the most unique variation in the lemonade series and the one that makes the most sense as a standalone drink — because half the flavor here is tea, not fruit, it tastes distinctly different from the other variations. It is refreshing in a quieter, more complex way.
What makes a good Arnold Palmer dry mix
The key is the tea-to-lemonade ratio. Too much tea powder and the tannins overwhelm the lemon. Too little and it just tastes like weak lemonade. Half a cup of instant tea powder per batch of lemonade base hits the right balance — you get equal, clear flavors from both.
Use unsweetened instant tea powder for the best result. The lemonade base already has plenty of sugar — sweetened tea powder would make the mix too sweet and throw off the balance. Plain instant tea powder gives you control over the flavor.
About instant tea powder
Instant tea powder is brewed tea that has been dehydrated into a fine powder. It dissolves completely in cold water with no brewing, steeping, or waiting. The flavor is clean and straightforward — it tastes like iced tea, not like a powdered drink mix.
It is available on Amazon, at Walmart, and at Sam’s Club in the coffee and tea aisle. Look for unsweetened plain black tea powder. Avoid the pre-sweetened lemon-flavored varieties since the lemonade base handles both the sweetness and lemon flavor.
How it works
Add half a cup of unsweetened instant tea powder to one prepared batch of the lemonade base mix. Whisk until evenly combined and store in a quart mason jar. Use two tablespoons per glass or one cup per pitcher — same ratio as every other variation in the series.
The tea powder dissolves completely in cold water alongside the lemon and sugar. The color is a warm amber-gold and the flavor is the classic Arnold Palmer — bright lemon upfront, clean tea finish.
Ways to use it
- Single glass — 2 tablespoons stirred into 8 oz cold water over ice
- Full pitcher — 1 cup stirred into 2 quarts cold water, refrigerate until chilled
- Sparkling Arnold Palmer — use chilled sparkling water, stir gently
- Spiked Arnold Palmer — add 1.5 oz bourbon or vodka per glass over ice
- Arnold Palmer with peach — combine 1 tablespoon Arnold Palmer mix with 1 tablespoon of the peach lemonade mix
- Hot version — stir 2 tablespoons into 8 oz hot water for a warm tea lemonade
- Mason jar gift — the most universally appealing variation for gifting to people who do not prefer sweet drinks
Customize the tea ratio
The half-and-half balance is traditional but not mandatory. Adjust to taste:
- More tea forward — increase the instant tea powder to 3/4 cup per batch
- More lemonade forward — reduce the tea powder to 1/4 cup per batch
- Green tea version — substitute green tea powder (matcha-style) for a lighter, grassier flavor
- Peach tea Arnold Palmer — use peach-flavored instant tea powder for a fruity twist
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture. Instant tea powder absorbs humidity and can cause the mix to clump slightly over time — keep the jar tightly sealed. Keeps well for up to one year. A silica packet inside the lid helps maintain a free-flowing texture.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Arnold Palmer?
An Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic drink named after the professional golfer Arnold Palmer, who was known for ordering a combination of half iced tea and half lemonade. It became so popular that it is now a standard menu item at restaurants and coffee shops. A John Daly is the spiked version — an Arnold Palmer with vodka.
Does it have to be black tea?
No. Black tea is traditional and gives the strongest, most classic flavor, but green tea powder, white tea powder, or even herbal tea powders work well. Green tea gives a lighter, slightly more delicate flavor. Avoid heavily flavored tea powders since the lemonade base already provides plenty of flavor.
Can I use sweetened instant tea powder?
You can but the result will likely be too sweet since the lemonade base already contains sugar. If you only have sweetened tea powder, reduce the granulated sugar in the base by 1/4 cup to compensate. Unsweetened tea powder gives you much better control over the final flavor.
How is this different from Arizona Arnold Palmer mix?
Arizona Arnold Palmer is pre-sweetened and has a specific flavor profile that leans sweet and slightly artificial. This homemade version uses real lemon juice powder and plain tea powder with no artificial flavors or colors. The flavor is cleaner and more balanced — closer to making it fresh than to a canned version.
Can I make a spiked Arnold Palmer with this?
Yes. Stir 2 tablespoons of mix into 8 oz of water or sparkling water, add 1.5 oz of bourbon or vodka, and serve over ice. A bourbon Arnold Palmer is sometimes called a John Daly. The honey lemonade variation also works exceptionally well as the base for a spiked version.
Can I combine this with one of the fruit variations?
Yes. Combining equal parts of the Arnold Palmer mix with the peach lemonade mix makes an excellent peach iced tea lemonade. The strawberry version also works well for a berry Arnold Palmer. Start with a 50/50 blend and adjust to taste
More recipes in this series
- Homemade Lemonade Dry Mix
- Strawberry Lemonade Dry Mix
- Raspberry Lemonade Dry Mix
- Peach Lemonade Dry Mix
- Honey Lemonade Dry Mix
- Arnold Palmer Dry Mix
Arnold Palmer Dry Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice powder
- ½ cup instant tea powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Make the Mix
- Add the sugar, lemon juice powder, instant tea powder, and salt to a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a quart mason jar or airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
To Make One Glass
- 2 tablespoons Arnold Palmer Dry Mix
- 12 ounces cold water
- Ice
- Add the mix to a glass.
- Pour in the water.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Serve over ice.
To Make One Pitcher
- 1 cup Arnold Palmer Dry Mix
- 2 quarts cold water
- Add the mix to a large pitcher.
- Pour in the water.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
For a stronger tea flavor, increase the instant tea powder to ¾ cup.
Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint.
For a lighter drink, use ¾ cup mix per pitcher instead of 1 cup.
Delicious served over plenty of ice on hot summer days.
Storage Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
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