Honey-lemon iced tea
Nothing is more thirst quenching than iced tea on a hot day. When it comes to sweetening your iced tea, nature provides a delightful alternative to sugar: honey. This honey-sweetened iced tea not only satisfies your sweet cravings but it provides the added benefits of honey, known for its natural antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
Adding fresh lemon provides an energising boost that helps you embrace the sweetness of nature in every sip and stay refreshed all summer long. Cheers to the simple pleasures of a well-brewed, honey-kissed and lemon enhanced iced tea.
Here’s how it’s made.
- 4 cups of water
- 4-5 tea bags or 6 heaped teaspoons of loose-leaf tea (your choice of black, green, or herbal)
- 2-3 tablespoons of honey (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Boil the water:
In a kettle or saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiled, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two. - Steep the tea:
Place the tea bags in a heat-resistant pitcher or teapot. Pour the hot water over the tea bags, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Be mindful not to over-steep, as it can make the tea bitter. - Add lemon juice and honey:
While the tea is still warm, add the lemon juice and 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the pitcher. Stir gently until the honey dissolves completely. Taste the tea and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired. Honey offers a natural sweetness and subtle floral notes. - Cool and refrigerate:
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the tea for at least 1-2 hours to chill thoroughly. It will keep well in the fridge for at least 48 hours. - Serve over ice:
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the ice. This method keeps the tea cold without diluting its flavour. - Garnish (optional):
For an extra touch of freshness, garnish your iced tea with slices of fresh lemon and a few mint leaves. These additions provide a burst of citrusy aroma and a hint of minty coolness.
Your homemade iced tea is ready to be savoured. Take a moment to enjoy the subtle sweetness and aromatic blend of tea with lemon and honey. It’s a rejuvenating beverage perfect for hot summer days.