Tea Lemon Drink (Printer-Friendly)
A bright, citrus-infused tea drink combining warm brewed tea with fresh lemon juice and optional sweetener.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tea
01 - 2 cups water
02 - 2 black tea bags (or green tea, if preferred)
→ Citrus
03 - 1 large lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsp)
→ Sweetener (optional)
04 - 1 to 2 tbsp honey, sugar, or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
→ Garnish (optional)
05 - Lemon slices
06 - Fresh mint leaves
07 - Ice cubes
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan.
02 - Pour the boiling water over tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or mug. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes, adjusting for desired strength.
03 - Discard the tea bags after steeping is complete.
04 - Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweetener if using, until fully dissolved.
05 - For iced tea, let the mixture cool slightly, then pour over ice cubes. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's ready in under ten minutes, making it perfect for those moments when you need something refreshing without any fuss.
- The natural tartness of lemon balances the tea so beautifully that you might find yourself reaching for it multiple times a week.
- You can drink it hot on a chilly morning or pour it over ice for an instant pick-me-up on warm afternoons.
02 -
- Don't let your tea bags steep for longer than five minutes unless you want bitter, tannic notes that overpower the delicate lemon flavor.
- The temperature of your water matters more than you'd think—if it's not hot enough, your tea won't fully develop its character and the whole drink will feel flat.
- Fresh lemon juice makes an enormous difference compared to bottled; even just one lemon from your kitchen will taste noticeably better than something that's been sitting in a plastic bottle.
03 -
- Keep your lemon at room temperature before juicing—cold lemons are stingy and won't give you as much juice, but warm ones practically burst with brightness.
- If you're making this for guests, brew the tea ahead of time and let it cool completely, then add the lemon juice and ice just before serving so everything stays fresh and vibrant.