Spice Free Classic Arnold Palmer

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

5.0

(29)

Few drinks are as refreshing or as satisfying as a tall glass of iced tea and lemonade swirled together over a mountain of ice. This homemade version is built entirely from scratch — brewed black tea, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a quick simple syrup — so every sip is clean, bright, and completely free of the flavor packets, powdered mixes, and mystery additives that can sneak spices or irritants into store-bought versions. Steeping the tea bags without squeezing them keeps the flavor smooth and mellow rather than bitter, and the lemonade is balanced to be tart and vivid without being overwhelming. The simple syrup comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop, and once everything is cooled and combined in a pitcher, you have a drink that tastes genuinely homemade in the best possible way. A garnish of lemon slices and fresh mint makes it look like something you'd pay too much for at a café, but this one is yours, made exactly the way you want it. It's the kind of drink that disappears fast at a backyard gathering or on a slow afternoon when you just need something cold and satisfying.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the tea

4 cups water, divided
4 black tea bags

For the lemonade

½ cup granulated sugar
2 cup water
¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4–5 lemons)

For serving

ice, for serving
lemon slices, for serving (optional)
fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, add the 4 tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them, then stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Set aside to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
2
While the tea cools, combine the sugar and 1/2 cup water in the saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

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