As we move past the first day of summer and the July 4th holiday, and temperatures continue to climb, it seems like the perfect time for an Arnold Palmer.
Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest golfers in history, had many accomplishments throughout his life. According to this overview of Arnold Palmer’s career and achievements, he was known not only as an athlete but also as a businessman, spokesperson, and aviator. However, for tea lovers, his most recognizable legacy may be the refreshing drink that bears his name.
Arnold Palmer Tee (screen capture from site)
As many people know, an Arnold Palmer is a simple combination of iced tea and lemonade, often mixed in equal parts. The exact origin of the drink is somewhat uncertain, with different anecdotes offering slightly different versions of the story.
One commonly cited account suggests that Palmer ordered the combination at a golf club in the early 1960s. A bystander reportedly asked for “that Palmer drink,” and the name stuck. Another version, shared in this account of how the Arnold Palmer drink became widely known, places the moment in a California restaurant. Regardless of the exact details, the story has taken on the character of a modern beverage legend.
For many years, the drink’s popularity remained informal, spreading largely through word of mouth. However, around the early 2000s, Arnold Palmer partnered with Arizona Beverage Company to create a commercial version of the drink. This ready-to-drink product has since become a major success in the beverage market.
If you’d like to explore more about the commercial version, visit the official Arnold Palmer iced tea and lemonade product site. For a variation with added alcohol, there is also Arnold Palmer hard iced tea lemonade beverage options.
Whether you mix your own at home or enjoy a bottled version, the Arnold Palmer remains a simple and refreshing way to enjoy tea during the warmest days of the year.
See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea-related writing by the author.
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