When the weather warms up and I need something cooling and refreshing, I always turn to this lemon ginger iced green tea with honey. It’s light, soothing, and has just the right balance of sweet, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavors. The green tea brings a subtle earthiness, the ginger adds a gentle kick, and the honey ties it all together with smooth sweetness. I first made this on a sweltering summer afternoon, and now it’s my favorite drink to keep in the fridge all season long.
Let me show you why this recipe works so well and how easy it is to make a pitcher of this refreshing tea at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This iced green tea is everything I want in a summer drink:
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The tang of lemon, warmth of ginger, and mellow honey sweetness are irresistible.
- Cooling and refreshing: Served over ice, it’s the ideal drink to beat the heat.
- Easy to make in batches: Great for parties, picnics, or just keeping in the fridge for daily sipping.
- Naturally good-for-you: Full of antioxidants from green tea, ginger, and lemon.
- Customizable: You can adjust sweetness and strength to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 6 servings | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Steep & Chill Time: 30 minutes)
- 4 cups water
- 4 green tea bags (or loose leaf equivalent)
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 2 lemons (plus extra lemon slices for garnish)
- Ice cubes for serving
How I Make Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey (Step-by-Step)
1. Boil and Steep
I start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil, then removing it from heat. I add the sliced ginger and green tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes.
2. Sweeten
I remove the tea bags and ginger slices, then stir in the honey while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.
3. Add Lemon
Once the tea has cooled slightly, I stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
4. Chill
I transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until it’s nice and cold.
5. Serve
When I’m ready to serve, I pour the tea over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint if I have it on hand.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Iced Green Tea
- Don’t over-steep the tea: Five minutes is perfect; too long can make it bitter.
- Adjust sweetness: Start with less honey and add more after tasting if needed.
- Use fresh ginger: It adds a natural warmth that powdered ginger can’t match.
- Chill thoroughly: The tea tastes best ice-cold and refreshing.
- Add sparkle: If you like, top off with sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
What I Serve with Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea
This drink pairs wonderfully with light, fresh foods. Here’s how I love to enjoy it:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Fresh summer salads
- Light finger sandwiches for afternoon tea
- A platter of fresh fruit and cheese
- Chilled pasta salad with herbs and lemon
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: You can, but fresh lemon juice really brightens the flavor.
Q: How do I make it stronger?
A: Steep the tea bags a little longer or use 5 tea bags instead of 4 for a bolder flavor.
Q: Can I make it sugar-free?
A: Absolutely — you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or leave it unsweetened for a more natural taste.
Why This Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea Deserves a Place in Your Summer Routine
This iced tea is refreshing, bright, and just what you need to cool down on a hot day. The combination of ginger, lemon, and honey makes it feel soothing and energizing at the same time. Whether you’re relaxing on the porch, hosting a backyard gathering, or just looking for a healthier drink to sip throughout the day, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Give it a try — I promise you’ll be making pitchers of it all summer long, just like I do.
The Perfect Summer Sipper: Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 green tea bags
- 1/4 cup fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/2 cup honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add the green tea bags and sliced ginger.
- Let steep for 10-15 minutes, depending on your preferred tea strength.
- Remove the tea bags and ginger slices, then stir in the honey until dissolved.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Add lemon slices to the cooled tea and refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice and enjoy your refreshing drink.
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