Xanthan Gum 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 perfectly balanced half-and-half of iced tea and lemonade. This version is built entirely from scratch — real brewed black tea, a quick homemade simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice — so you know exactly what's going into your glass. That matters more than people realize, since bottled and powdered drink mixes often sneak in additives and thickeners that have no business being in something this simple. Steeping the tea without squeezing the bags keeps it smooth and clean-tasting, while the from-scratch lemonade brings a bright, tart punch that store-bought versions just can't match. The two come together in a pitcher that's easy to scale up for a crowd or keep in the fridge for a few days of easy sipping. Served over ice with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint, it looks as good as it tastes.

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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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