Arnold Palmer death: How 'The King' created the 'Arnold Palmer', the popular drink

The late golfer will be remembered by many as the man who came up with the simple combination of ice tea and lemonade

Palmer, one of golf's great players, has died at the age of 87 (Getty)

Arnold Palmer, who has died at the age of 87, will be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of golf, having left an indelible legacy on the sport.

He also, however, made his mark on the world of beverages. Palmer’s name may mean ‘The King’ to some, but it means a refreshing blend of ice tea and lemonade to more.

The ‘Arnold Palmer’ drink, invented by the man himself, is sold worldwide with the late golfer’s name and signature, and has been replicated by other drinks companies.

In 2012, Palmer revealed how the idea came about in ESPN’s 30 for 30 Shorts series, and unsurprisingly, inspiration came after a thirsty day’s play on the fairways.

“I came home one day and my wife had made a lot of ice tea for lunch, and I said: ‘Hey babe, I’ve got an idea,’” he said.

“I said: “You make the ice tea, make a big pitcher, and we’ll just put a little lemonade in it and see how that works.

The 'Arnold Palmer', a blend of ice tea and lemonade (Irina Slutsky / Wikipedia)

“So we mixed it up, and I got the solution about where I wanted it, and I put the lemonade in it and I had it for lunch after working on the golf course.

The definitive 'Arnold Palmer' recipe, as preferred by the man himself

Two parts ice tea

One part lemonade

“And I thought: “Boy, this is great babe. I’m going to take it when I play golf. I’m going to take a Thermos of ice tea and lemonade.”

While some mix the drink as two parts lemonade and two parts ice tea, imaginatively known as 'Half and Half', Palmer had his own specification: “Ice tea has the dominant side, that dominates the drink. If it doesn’t, then it isn’t really right.”

“I was embarrassed to ask for an ‘Arnold Palmer’,” he added. “I’d say: ‘Can I have an ice tea and put about a third of it in lemonade?’ They’d say: ‘Oh, you want an Arnold Palmer?’

“I just finally said I won’t fight the battle anymore, I’ll just ask for an Arnold Palmer. Maybe they won’t know who I am."

Palmer riffed on his creation in an advertisement for ESPN's Sportscenter programme.

Palmer is shown quietly making the drink at a golf club and walking away before two star-struck onlookers concur: "That was awesome."