Green Tea Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing Summer Drink with Mint

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Green Tea Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing Summer Drink With Mint

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and a little bit different. This Green Tea Lemonade is exactly that! I first made this a few summers ago when I was craving something beyond the usual nimbu pani, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and subtly earthy – seriously, it’s sunshine in a glass!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average lemonade. The green tea adds a lovely depth of flavour and a gentle energy boost, making it perfect for a hot afternoon. It’s super easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is endlessly customizable. Plus, it looks gorgeous with a sprig of fresh mint! Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

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

• 2 green tea bags
• 300ml water
• 0.5 cup sugar (approx. 100g)
• 0.5 cup lemon juice (approx. 120ml)
• 1 cup green tea concentrate
• 1 cup homemade lemonade
• 3 cups chilled water (approx. 720ml)
• 10 ice cubes
• 5-6 mint leaves

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Green Tea Bags: Types and Quality

I usually go for sencha or jasmine green tea bags for this recipe. They have a lovely, clean flavour. But feel free to experiment! Just avoid anything too strongly flavoured, as it might overpower the lemonade.

Lemon Juice: Fresh vs. Bottled

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best, if you can. It has a brighter, more vibrant flavour. But in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works just fine. Just make sure it’s 100% juice, with no added sugar.

Sugar: Options for Sweetness

Granulated sugar is what I typically use, but you can definitely swap it out. Try caster sugar for quicker dissolving, or even a little bit of jaggery for a more rustic flavour.

Water: The Importance of Chilled Water

Seriously, don’t skip the chilled water! It makes a huge difference in keeping the drink refreshing. I usually keep a jug in the fridge specifically for this purpose.

Mint Leaves: Varieties and Flavor Profiles

Spearmint is my go-to for this recipe – it has a classic, refreshing flavour. But peppermint also works well if you like a bit more of a zing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get mixing!

1. First, let’s make the green tea concentrate. Boil 300ml of water in a pot. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add your 2 green tea bags. Let them steep for 3-4 minutes – don’t over-steep, or it can get bitter! Remove the bags and let the concentrate cool completely.
2. Next, let’s whip up a quick lemonade syrup. In a saucepan, combine ½ cup (approx. 100g) of sugar with ½ cup (approx. 120ml) of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup (approx. 120ml) of lemon juice. Let this cool down too.
3. Now for the fun part! In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup of your cooled green tea concentrate, 1 cup of your homemade lemonade, and 3 cups (approx. 720ml) of chilled water. Give it a good stir.
4. Taste and adjust! If you like it a little sweeter, add a drizzle of honey.
5. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the lemonade-tea mixture, and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves. And that’s it!

Expert Tips

Want to take your Green Tea Lemonade to the next level? Here are a few of my favourite tricks:

Adjusting Sweetness & Tartness

Everyone has different preferences! Start with the amounts listed in the recipe, then add more sugar or lemon juice to taste.

Brewing the Perfect Green Tea Concentrate

Don’t use boiling water directly on the tea bags – let the water cool slightly first. This helps prevent bitterness.

Making Lemonade from Scratch vs. Store-Bought

Homemade lemonade is so much better, but store-bought works in a pinch. If using store-bought, choose a brand with minimal additives.

Infusing the Drink with Additional Flavors

Get creative! A few slices of cucumber or a handful of berries can add a lovely twist.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Green Tea Lemonade

Simply swap the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup.

Sugar-Free Green Tea Lemonade

Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

Spice Level: Ginger or Cardamom Infusion

My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to the lemonade syrup – it’s divine! A few slices of fresh ginger steeped with the tea also adds a lovely warmth.

Festival Adaptations: Summer Solstice or Holi Refreshment

During Holi, I sometimes add a tiny pinch of saffron to the lemonade for a beautiful colour and subtle flavour.

Sparkling Green Tea Lemonade

Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy treat.

Serving Suggestions

This Green Tea Lemonade is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light snacks. Think cucumber sandwiches, fruit salad, or a plate of pakoras. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to a spicy Indian meal – the coolness really helps balance the heat.

Storage Instructions

You can store leftover Green Tea Lemonade in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavour might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be delicious. I recommend storing the concentrate and lemonade separately, then mixing them with chilled water just before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this drink better with hot or cold green tea?

Definitely cold! Using a concentrate made with hot water that’s then cooled down gives you the best flavour without any bitterness.

Can I make the green tea concentrate and lemonade syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes it super quick to assemble the drink when you’re ready.

What type of green tea works best for this recipe?

Sencha or jasmine green tea are my favourites, but feel free to experiment. Avoid anything too strongly flavoured.

Can I use honey or another sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, absolutely! Honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup all work well. Adjust the amount to your liking.

How can I prevent the lemonade from becoming too bitter?

Don’t over-steep the green tea, and use fresh lemon juice whenever possible. If it does get a little bitter, add a touch more sweetener.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what variations you come up with!