Today, I’m super excited to spill the beans (or should I say, spill the tea) on one of my absolute favorite iced tea recipes: Citrus Green Tea.
As the weather gets hotter, I just can’t resist reaching for this refreshing drink over and over again.
Who won’t love a tall glass filled with ice, slices of tangy citrus fruits floating on top, and a beautiful golden-green tea that’s bursting with flavor in every sip?
I do! And soon, you will too!
This Citrus Green Tea recipe has become my go-to drink on those scorching afternoons and lazy summer nights.
In this blog post, I’m gonna show you how I make the perfect glass of Citrus Green Tea right in the comfort of my home.
So grab your shades and let’s get sipping!
What Is Citrus Green Tea?
Citrus Green Tea is a delightful and refreshing beverage that combines the goodness of green tea with a burst of citrusy flavors.
You can use oranges, lime, lemons, or grapefruits to make it.
Basically, anything citrusy works well!
It’s a delightful blend that I sometimes make at home, inspired by the popular Lipton Citrus Green Tea.
This homemade version is incredibly easy to whip up and allows you to customize the strength of both the green tea and citrus flavors to your liking.
What You Need to Make Citrus Green Tea
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make Citrus Green Tea:
Green Tea Bags: You’ll want some green tea bags as the base for your drink.
You can find them at most grocery stores.
Hot Water: Boiling water is essential to brew the green tea. It’s the first step in creating your delightful beverage.
Citrus: For that tangy twist, you’ll need fresh citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or oranges.
Squeezing their juice will give your tea that zesty flavor.
Honey or Sugar (Optional): If you like your tea on the sweeter side, you can add honey or sugar to taste. It’s totally up to you.
Ice (Optional): If you prefer your Citrus Green Tea cold, you can add ice cubes to chill it down.
How to Make Citrus Green Tea
Here’s how I make citrus green tea at home:
Step 1: Boil the Water
The first thing I do is boil some water.
I usually fill up a kettle and let it come to a rolling boil.
Make sure it’s hot enough to brew your tea.
It should be 175 to 180° F.
Step 2: Green Tea Bag
Next, I take a green tea bag and place it in a cup.
You can use any cup or mug you like.
Step 3: Pour the Hot Water
Carefully, I pour the hot water over the green tea bag.
I let it steep for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the Tea Bag
After a few minutes, I gently remove the tea bag.
You can give it a little press against the side of the cup to release any extra flavor.
Step 5: Squeeze the Citrus
Now comes the citrusy part.
I squeeze the juice of a lemon, lime, or orange (or a combination of these) into the tea.
It’s all about personal preference, so add as much or as little as you like.
Step 6: Sweeten, If Desired
If I want a touch of sweetness, I add honey or sugar at this point.
A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and taste test until it’s perfect for you.
Step 7: Ice, If You Want It Cold
If I’m in the mood for an iced version, I add some ice cubes.
They cool down the tea and make it extra refreshing.
You can even chill it and then serve over ice.
Step 8: Garnish with Citrus Slices (Optional)
For an extra fancy touch, you can garnish your Citrus Green Tea with a slice of citrus on the rim of your glass.
Scroll to the bottom to have complete recipe with ingredients and instructions.
How to Make Citrus Green Tea Taste Better
I can help you make your citrus green tea taste better.
I totally get it – sometimes plain green tea can be a bit blah.
So, let’s jazz it up!
Lemon Zest Zing: First, I like to add some zesty lemon flavor.
Just take a fresh lemon and grate a little bit of the zest into your tea. It gives a lovely citrusy kick.
Minty Freshness: Mint leaves are amazing.
Toss a few fresh mint leaves into your cup. It’s gives a cool breeze on a hot day.
Ginger Spice: A thin slice of ginger can bring a spicy twist to your tea.
It complements the citrus and adds warmth.
Orange Slices: If you’re feeling extra fancy, toss in a few orange slices.
They add a burst of sweetness and more citrusy goodness.
Experiment with Other Citrus: Don’t stop at lemons – try limes, grapefruits, or even a mix of them with orange juice.
Each brings a unique flavor to your tea party.
Herbal Infusion: You can also experiment with herbal infusions.
Think of chamomile, lavender, or jasmine.
They can take your tea to a whole new level.
Cinnamon Spice: A pinch of cinnamon can be surprisingly delightful.
It adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs well with citrus.
Coconut Splash: If you’re feeling a tropical vibe, a splash of coconut water can make your citrus green tea taste like a beach vacation.
Citrus Green Tea Food Pairing
Citrus green tea is a fantastic drink, and when paired with the right snacks or meals, it can be a real treat.
So, let’s dive into some tasty combinations that will make your taste buds dance!
Light Sandwiches
A simple sandwich with cucumber, cream cheese, and a touch of dill is fantastic.
Fruit Salad
I love having a fresh fruit salad with my citrus green tea.
The fruity goodness blends well with the citrusy notes of the tea.
Sushi
Sushi and citrus green tea make a great combo.
The tea cleanses your palate between sushi bites, making each piece taste even better.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken with a hint of lemon and herbs pairs wonderfully.
It’s a healthy and satisfying match for your tea.
Asian Stir-Fry
If you’re into savory dishes, try an Asian stir-fry with lots of colorful veggies.
The tea’s citrusy notes complement the bold flavors of the stir-fry sauce.
Cheese and Crackers
Simple cheese and crackers are delightful. The zing of tea contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Rice or Noodles
Steamed rice or plain noodles work well.
They soak up the flavors of tea and make for a comforting meal.
Light Desserts
For dessert, go for something light like lemon sorbet or a citrus tart.
When to Drink Citrus Green Tea
Let’s talk about when to enjoy citrus green tea on different occasions.
It’s a versatile and refreshing drink that can be a great fit for various moments in life:
Outdoor Picnics
Citrus green tea is a fantastic choice for outdoor picnics.
Its refreshing taste pairs well with sandwiches, salads, and fresh air.
Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to sugary sodas.
BBQs and Grilling
If you’re firing up the grill for a BBQ, citrus green tea can be a wonderful beverage choice.
Its bright flavors complement grilled meats and veggies perfectly.
Brunch with Friends
Hosting a brunch for friends?
Serve citrus green tea with a selection of pastries, omelets, and fresh fruit.
It’s a light and elegant choice for social gatherings.
Relaxing Evenings
In the evening, unwind with a cup of citrus green tea.
Its calming properties can help you relax after a long day.
Add a splash of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Celebrations
When celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, consider serving citrus green tea as a non-alcoholic option.
It’s sophisticated and can be dressed up with garnishes like lemon twists.
Health and Wellness Days
On days when you’re focusing on your health and wellness, citrus green tea fits right in.
It’s hydrating and packed with antioxidants, making it a great choice for self-care.
Travel Adventures
Whether you’re on a road trip or exploring a new destination, carry some citrus green tea with you.
It’s a convenient and refreshing travel companion.
Make it in a mason jar as cold brew iced tea and have it on the go.
Related to Tea Making
Citrus Green Tea Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: American2
servings5
minutes3
minutes10
kcal8
minutesRefreshing Citrus Green Tea with a hint of lemon and lime, a perfect balance of soothing green tea and zesty citrus notes, ideal for a refreshing sip on a warm day.
Ingredients
2 green tea bags or 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf green tea
2 cups of filtered water
1/2 lemon, sliced
1/2 lime, sliced
1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Ice cubes (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Boil the filtered water and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Green tea is best brewed at a lower temperature, around 175°F (80°C), to avoid bitterness.
- Place the green tea bags or loose-leaf tea in a teapot or a heatproof container.
- Pour the hot water over the tea leaves or tea bags.
- Cover the container and let the tea steep for about 2-3 minutes. Be cautious not to over-steep as green tea can become bitter. Adjust the steeping time according to your taste preference; shorter for a milder flavor, longer for a stronger taste.
- While the tea is steeping, prepare your citrus slices by cutting the lemon and lime into thin rounds.
- After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose-leaf tea.
- Sweeten the tea with honey, if desired. Stir until the honey has dissolved.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate it for at least an hour to chill.
- When serving, add the citrus slices and ice cubes to each glass. Pour the chilled green tea over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Storing Brewed Tea: If you have leftover brewed tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to consume within 24 hours to retain its freshness and flavor.
- Cold Brew Tea: For a cold brew version, use cold filtered water and steep the tea in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight. Cold brewing results in a mellower, less bitter tea.
- Different Types of Green Tea: The flavor of your citrus green tea can vary depending on the type of green tea you use. Japanese green teas like Sencha tend to have a grassy, slightly vegetal taste, while Chinese green teas like Dragonwell offer a nuttier, slightly sweet flavor. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.
- Strong Brew Tea: If you prefer a stronger tea, you can increase the tea-to-water ratio or steep it for a longer duration. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as over-steeping can make the tea bitter. Adjust the strength to your personal preference.
- Ingredients for 1-Litre Batch: To make a larger batch of Citrus Green Tea, here are the measurements for 1 litre (approximately 4 cups) of tea: 4 green tea bags or 4 teaspoons of loose-leaf green tea, 4 cups of filtered water, 1 lemon, sliced, 1 lime, sliced, 2 tablespoons of honey (adjust to taste), Ice cubes (optional), Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Citrus Green tea taste like?
Citrus Green tea has a refreshing taste with green tea’s earthy notes and a tangy, zesty citrus flavor.
Does Citrus Green tea have caffeine?
Yes, Citrus Green tea contains caffeine due to the green tea leaves.
Is Citrus Green a real tea?
Yes, Citrus Green tea is made from real green tea leaves with added citrus flavor.
How many calories in Citrus Green tea?
Typically, Citrus Green tea has fewer than 5 calories per 8-ounce serving.
What are the ingredients in green tea citrus?
Ingredients include green tea leaves and citrus flavorings, possibly with additional herbs or fruit peels.
Is citrus green tea healthy?
Generally, yes, as it offers antioxidants and vitamin C. Opt for unsweetened options for the healthiest choice.