The warm weather is here, and a tall glass of Pineapple Arnold Palmer is the perfect summer refresher.
When temperatures climb, nothing beats an ice-cold drink to cool you down.
If you want to elevate your tea game, keep reading for a bright, fruity twist on the classic Arnold Palmer.
Pineapple Arnold Palmer Mocktail
An Arnold Palmer traditionally blends equal parts sweet tea and lemonade. In this version we replace the lemonade with pineapple juice for a tropical spin that pairs beautifully with iced tea.
If you prefer a boozy version, add lemon-infused vodka, gin, or a rum with tropical notes to turn it into a Pineapple Arnold Palmer cocktail.
What You Need
Tea: Freshly brewed tea or store-bought iced tea works fine. If you have time, make sun tea for a mellow flavor.
Lemonade mix (or prepared lemonade): You still need the lemonade component for the Arnold Palmer balance. You can use classic, pink, or lavender lemonade depending on your preference.
Pineapple juice: Fresh or canned pineapple juice works. Fresh juice may need a touch of extra sweetener if it’s tart.
Honey: Honey simple syrup blends easily into cold drinks and adds floral sweetness. Lavender honey is nice if you have it, but any honey will do.
Fresh herbs: Lemon thyme was used here, but regular thyme, mint, rosemary, or lavender are all great options.
Fresh lemon: Sliced or wedged for garnish and a pop of acidity.
To make it a cocktail
Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka or white rum per serving. Use fruit-infused vodkas or coconut/pineapple rum to accentuate the tropical flavor.
How to Make a Pineapple Arnold Palmer
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups sun tea (or store-bought tea)
- 2 ½ cups lemonade
- 2 ½ cups pineapple juice
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Ice for serving
Honey Simple Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups honey
- Combine water and honey in a saucepan and bring to a low boil, stirring until the honey dissolves.
- Cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate. The syrup will keep up to 30 days.
Directions
- In a large pitcher, combine the sun tea, lemonade, and pineapple juice.
- Stir in honey simple syrup, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more if needed to suit your taste.
- Add sliced strawberries, lemon slices, and thyme sprigs.
- Chill for 1–2 hours to let flavors meld, or add ice to the pitcher just before serving.
- Serve over ice with extra lemon or herb garnishes as desired.
Substitutes for Honey
You can use agave syrup, simple syrup made with granulated sugar, or liquid sweeteners. Liquid sweeteners dissolve more easily in cold drinks than granulated sugar, which can leave a slight graininess if not fully dissolved.
Scaling Up
The pitcher recipe serves about 6–8 people. To serve a larger crowd, double the ingredients and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Pour over ice when ready to serve. For best flavor, consume within 24 hours.
Pineapple Arnold Palmer (Serves 8–10)
Ingredients:
- 5 cups sun tea (or store-bought tea)
- 5 cups lemonade
- 5 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 to 1 cup honey simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Several sprigs fresh thyme
- Ice for serving
Directions:
- In a large 1-gallon pitcher or dispenser, combine the tea, lemonade, and pineapple juice.
- Stir in honey syrup, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if needed.
- Add strawberries, lemon rounds, and thyme to the container.
- Chill at least 2 hours or add ice before serving. Pour into glasses over ice and garnish as desired.
How to Make Sun Tea
Place a gallon of water and 6–8 tea bags in a large glass jar with a lid. Set the jar in direct sunlight for 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how strong you want the tea. Hotter, brighter days speed up the brewing.
Why Use Glass for Sun Tea?
Glass is preferred because it won’t leach chemicals when heated by the sun. A glass container preserves the clean flavor of the tea without the risk of plastic affecting taste or safety.
You’ve got the recipe—now go make a refreshing Pineapple Arnold Palmer and enjoy your best summer sips.
Pineapple Arnold Palmer
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups sun tea or store-bought tea
- 2 ½ cups lemonade
- 2 ½ cups pineapple juice
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey simple syrup adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/2 lemon thinly sliced
- 2 –3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Ice for serving
Instructions
-
In a large pitcher, combine the sun tea, lemonade, and pineapple juice.
-
Stir in honey simple syrup, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more if needed.
-
Add sliced strawberries, lemon, and thyme sprigs. Chill for 1–2 hours or add ice to the pitcher just before serving.
-
Serve over ice with extra garnishes if desired.