Green Tea Recipe – Lemon & Cinnamon Infusion for Wellness

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Green Tea Recipe – Lemon & Cinnamon Infusion For Wellness

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for little ways to boost your day – something comforting, healthy, and easy to make. This lemon and cinnamon green tea is exactly that. I first stumbled upon this combination when I was feeling a bit under the weather, and honestly, it’s been a go-to ever since. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a little moment of self-care in a mug. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cup of green tea. The bright zest of lemon and the warm spice of cinnamon elevate the experience, making it incredibly refreshing and soothing. It’s perfect for a chilly morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a calming evening ritual. Plus, it’s super quick to make – seriously, just 5 minutes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful infusion:

• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 1 tablespoon green tea leaves (approximately 7-10 grams)
• 1 lemon – you’ll need slices!
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients, because a little know-how goes a long way!

Green Tea Varieties

There’s a whole world of green tea out there! Sencha is a classic choice, offering a grassy, slightly sweet flavor. Gunpowder green tea is bolder and more robust. For this recipe, I usually reach for Sencha, but feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

Lemon Selection – Regional & Seasonal Options

The best lemon is a juicy one! Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size. In India, you’ll find varieties like Kagzi lime (a thinner-skinned, very fragrant lemon) which is amazing in this tea. Depending on the season, you might also find sweeter lemons – those work beautifully too.

Cinnamon Sticks – Ceylon vs. Cassia

Did you know there are different types of cinnamon? Ceylon cinnamon (often called “true cinnamon”) is milder and more delicate. Cassia cinnamon is stronger and more common. Both work well here, but if you’re sensitive to strong flavors, Ceylon is a good choice.

Water Quality & Its Impact on Tea Flavor

This might sound a little extra, but trust me – water matters! Filtered water is best, as tap water can sometimes have flavors that interfere with the tea.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s make some tea! It’s so simple, you’ll be sipping in no time.

1. First, pour 1 cup (240ml) of water into a saucepan.
2. Bring the water to a vigorous boil. You want it bubbling nicely!
3. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of green tea leaves, a few slices of lemon, and 2 cinnamon sticks.
4. Give it a gentle stir, then immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. We don’t want to over-brew the tea and make it bitter.
5. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea (more on that in the tips section!).
6. Finally, strain the tea into your favorite mug and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to take your tea game to the next level? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

Adjusting Brew Time for Strength

Play around with the steeping time! 3 minutes will give you a lighter, more delicate tea. 5 minutes will result in a stronger, more robust brew.

The Importance of Water Temperature

Green tea is best brewed at a lower temperature than black tea. That’s why we remove it from the heat right after boiling. This prevents the tea from becoming bitter.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! No changes needed.

Spice Level – Adding Ginger or Cardamom

My friend, Priya, loves adding a small slice of ginger or a crushed cardamom pod to her tea for an extra kick. It’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations – Monsoon Tea Blend

During the monsoon season, my family loves to add a pinch of clove to this tea. It’s incredibly warming and comforting on a rainy day.

Iced Green Tea Variation

For a refreshing summer drink, let the tea cool completely, then pour it over ice. Add a little honey or agave nectar if you like it sweet.

Serving Suggestions

This tea is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a light snack. Think a few dates, a small piece of fruit, or a couple of digestive biscuits.

Storage Instructions

This tea is best enjoyed fresh! However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavor might diminish slightly, but it will still be enjoyable.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of lemon and cinnamon in green tea?

Green tea is packed with antioxidants. Lemon adds a boost of Vitamin C, and cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a powerhouse of goodness!

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon slices?

You can, but I prefer slices. They release their flavor more gradually and give the tea a brighter, more complex taste. If using juice, start with about 1 teaspoon.

What type of green tea works best for this infusion?

Sencha is my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Gyokuro, Longjing, or even a simple green tea bag will work.

How can I make this tea sweeter without using sugar?

Try a little honey, agave nectar, or a few drops of stevia. Dates blended into the tea also add natural sweetness.

Can I reuse the cinnamon sticks and lemon slices for a second brew?

You can, but the flavor will be much weaker. I usually use them once for the best results.

Enjoy your cup of sunshine! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and what variations you come up with. Happy brewing!