Green Tea Recipe – Honey Lemon Soothing Indian Wellness Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Green Tea Recipe – Honey Lemon Soothing Indian Wellness Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a little moment of calm in a busy day. This honey lemon green tea is exactly that. It’s quick, easy, and honestly, feels like a warm hug in a mug. I first started drinking this regularly when I was prepping for exams – needed all the focus (and calm!) I could get. Now it’s just a lovely part of my routine. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little ritual. It’s incredibly refreshing, subtly flavourful, and packed with goodness. Plus, it’s ready in under 5 minutes! It’s the perfect pick-me-up without the jitters of coffee, and a lovely way to incorporate some wellness into your day. Honestly, it’s a simple pleasure that makes a big difference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 1 teaspoon green tea leaves (approx. 2-3 grams)
• Honey, to taste
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec!

Green Tea: Green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and has been a part of Indian wellness traditions for ages. You’ll find a few different types readily available here:

• Darjeeling Green Tea: Known for its delicate flavour.
• Assam Green Tea: A bit bolder and more robust.
• Nilgiri Green Tea: A lighter, floral option.

Experiment and see which one you like best! I personally love a Darjeeling for this recipe.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best. It just has a brighter, more vibrant flavour than the bottled stuff. Plus, you get that lovely aroma when you squeeze it! But if you’re in a pinch, bottled will do.

Honey: Raw honey is fantastic if you can get your hands on it, but any good quality honey will work beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some tea!

1. First, heat up your water. You want it just below boiling point – around 80-85°C (176-185°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, just bring it to a boil and then let it sit for a minute or two.
2. Pop your green tea leaves into your favourite mug or teapot.
3. Pour the hot water over the leaves. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Don’t over-steep, or it can get bitter!
4. Strain the tea into your cup using a fine-mesh strainer.
5. Now for the fun part! Add honey and lemon juice to taste. Stir well and enjoy immediately.

Expert Tips

Want to make this tea perfect? Here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Water Temperature is Key: Seriously, don’t use boiling water! It’ll scorch the leaves and make the tea bitter.
• Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes is usually ideal, but you can adjust it to your liking. If you like a stronger tea, steep for a little longer.
• Avoiding Bitterness: If your tea is consistently bitter, try lowering the water temperature or reducing the steeping time.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for all sorts of flavour adventures! Here are a few of my favourites:

• Ginger Green Tea: Add a small slice of fresh ginger to the water while it’s heating. My grandma always made this when we were feeling under the weather!
• Masala Green Tea: Throw in a tiny pinch of cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon while steeping. It’s like a cozy hug in a mug.
• Iced Green Tea: Brew a stronger batch of tea, let it cool, and pour it over ice. Perfect for a hot summer day.
• Sugar-Free Option: Skip the honey altogether! Green tea is lovely on its own, or you can use a natural sweetener like stevia.

Serving Suggestions

This tea is lovely on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Indian Snacks: Think khakhra, namak pare, or a simple biscuit.
• Breakfast: It’s a refreshing alternative to chai with poha or upma.
• Quiet Moments: Honestly, it’s perfect with a good book and a little peace and quiet.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, green tea is best enjoyed fresh. It doesn’t really store well once it’s brewed. The flavour degrades quickly. If you must store it, you can refrigerate it for a few hours, but it won’t be the same.

As for the dry tea leaves, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is green tea good for weight loss? Green tea can be a helpful part of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s not a magic bullet. It may help boost metabolism and burn fat, but it’s most effective when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

What is the best time to drink green tea? Morning or mid-afternoon is ideal. Avoid drinking it right before bed, as the caffeine can interfere with sleep.

Can I use green tea bags instead of loose leaf? Absolutely! Tea bags are convenient, but loose leaf tea generally has a better flavour.

How does this recipe differ from traditional Indian chai? This is a much lighter, more subtle drink than chai. Chai is typically made with black tea, milk, and spices, while this is a simple infusion of green tea with honey and lemon.

What are the health benefits of adding honey and lemon to green tea? Honey adds sweetness and has antibacterial properties, while lemon provides Vitamin C and adds a refreshing zing. Both complement the health benefits of green tea beautifully!