Refreshing Mint-Ginger Green Tea Recipe – Lemon & Honey Iced Tea

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Refreshing Mint-Ginger Green Tea Recipe – Lemon & Honey Iced Tea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and good for you. Especially with the Indian summer heat, right? Well, look no further! This Mint-Ginger Green Tea with Lemon & Honey is my go-to. I first made this when I was trying to find a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s the perfect balance of cool, zingy, and subtly sweet. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another iced tea recipe. The combination of mint and ginger adds a lovely aromatic spice, while the lemon brightens everything up. Green tea brings its own health benefits, and a touch of honey makes it all wonderfully soothing. It’s seriously the most revitalizing drink, and it’s so easy to make! Plus, it looks beautiful served in a tall glass with a sprig of mint.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (about 30g)
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled (about 25g)
• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 2 Meyer lemons
• 2 green tea bags
• 4 cups water (960ml)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste – about 30ml)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your tea.

Mint Leaves: Varieties & Freshness

I prefer spearmint for this recipe – it has a sweeter, milder flavour. But peppermint works beautifully too if you like a stronger minty kick! Always use fresh mint leaves; they really are best. Look for vibrant green leaves that aren’t wilted or bruised.

Ginger: Choosing the Right Root

Young ginger is less fibrous and has a milder flavour. Look for a firm root with smooth, unwrinkled skin. You can store ginger in the freezer for easy grating whenever you need it!

Meyer Lemons: A Unique Citrus Flavor

Meyer lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, giving them a slightly sweeter, less acidic flavour. They’re amazing in this tea! If you can’t find them, regular lemons will work just fine, but you might want to add a little extra honey.

Green Tea Bags: Types & Quality

I usually use a good quality Sencha or Jasmine green tea. The quality of your tea bags really matters, so don’t skimp! Look for whole leaf tea bags rather than fannings (the dust at the bottom of the bag).

Honey: Raw vs. Processed & Flavor Profiles

Raw honey has a more complex flavour and retains more of its beneficial enzymes. But any honey you like will work! I love using wildflower honey for a floral note.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some tea!

1. First, let’s make those flavourful mint-ginger ice cubes. Blend the mint leaves, ginger, and 1 cup of water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp. Pour the liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 2 hours.
2. Next, boil 2 cups of water. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add the green tea bags. Let them steep for 3 minutes – don’t over-steep, or the tea will become bitter! Then, discard the tea bags.
3. Allow the tea to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a large pitcher. Add the juice of the Meyer lemons, honey, and the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add more honey, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right for you.
5. Finally, add a few lemon slices and some fresh mint leaves to the pitcher for extra flavour and a beautiful presentation.

Expert Tips

A few little things that make all the difference:

• Don’t skip the straining step for the mint-ginger mixture! You want clear ice cubes.
• Cooling the tea completely before adding the lemon juice helps preserve the flavour.
• Using filtered water will give you the purest flavour.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Spice

My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to the tea for a warming spice. It’s delicious!

Sweetness Level: Adjusting Honey to Taste

If you prefer a less sweet tea, start with 1 tablespoon of honey and add more as needed. You can also use other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave.

Festival Adaptations: Summer Cooling Drink

This is a staple in our house during Diwali! It’s a refreshing break from all the rich sweets.

Vegan Adaptation: Using Maple Syrup or Agave

Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.

Herbal Tea Blend: Experimenting with Other Teas

Try blending in chamomile or hibiscus tea for a different flavour profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in tall glasses with a few mint-ginger ice cubes. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint. It’s perfect for a hot summer day, a relaxing afternoon, or even a festive gathering.

Storage Instructions

This iced tea will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavour might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be delicious! Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odours from the fridge.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

How can I make this tea stronger?

Use more green tea bags, or let them steep for a slightly longer time (but be careful not to over-steep!).

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

While fresh mint is best, you can use dried mint in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried mint for every cup of fresh mint.

What’s the best way to prevent the tea from becoming bitter?

Don’t over-steep the green tea bags! 3 minutes is usually perfect.

Can I make the mint-ginger ice cubes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the freezer.

Is Meyer lemon essential for this recipe, or can I substitute?

No, it’s not essential. Regular lemons will work just fine.

How long does this iced tea stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Up to 3 days.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what you think!