The Arnold Palmer Is The Definitive Non-Alcoholic Highball

Arnold Palmer

Everything You Need To Know About The Arnold Palmer

The Arnold Palmer is the definitive clubhouse standard, famously preferred by the golf legend himself. While many commercial versions use a 50/50 split, Palmer’s personal preference leaned toward a heavier tea-to-lemonade ratio to ensure the drink remained crisp and not overly sugary. It serves as the foundation for several modern highballs and remains a staple of golf-adjacent hospitality.

Arnold Palmer

Prep Time2 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritNone

Ingredients

  • 6 oz Unsweetened Black Tea
  • 2 oz Lemonade
  • Lemon Wheel, for garnish
The Arnold Palmer Is The Definitive Non-Alcoholic Highball

Instructions

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Add the lemonade first, then top with the unsweetened black tea.
  3. Stir briefly to combine.
  4. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel.
Pro Tip
To achieve the professional "standard," use a 3:1 ratio of tea to lemonade. This keeps the drink refreshing and allows the tannins in the tea to cut through the sugar in the lemonade, making it an ideal companion for outdoor sessions.

Arnold Palmer Riff

The most common riff is the inclusion of vodka to create a John Daly. For a botanical twist, you can add a splash of elderflower syrup or a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters to give the drink more complexity.