Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey Recipe
If you’re craving a refreshing, zesty beverage that feels like a burst of sunshine in a glass, look no further than this Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey. It’s the perfect harmony of bright lemon, warm ginger, and naturally sweet honey layered over delicate green tea, delivering a sip that’s both invigorating and soothing. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or just want a delicious way to stay hydrated, this iced green tea recipe will quickly become your go-to drink for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors and the crisp, refreshing appearance that makes this tea so delightful.
- 4 cups water: The base that extracts all the delicate flavors from the tea and ginger while keeping it light and hydrating.
- 4 bags green tea: Provides a subtle earthiness and antioxidants, making this iced tea both tasty and healthy.
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest): Brings a bright citrus punch and a refreshing aroma that wakes up the palate.
- 1 inch fresh ginger (peeled and sliced): Adds a warm, spicy zing that balances the tartness of lemon beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons honey (or to taste): Sweetens naturally while complementing the ginger’s spice and lemon’s acidity.
- Ice cubes: Essential for serving this tea chilled and at just the right temperature.
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of green color and a cooling minty aroma for an extra fresh finish.
How to Make Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey
Step 1: Boil the Water
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in your kettle or pot. Hot water is key for properly steeping the green tea and extracting the maximum flavor from the ginger slices.
Step 2: Steep the Green Tea Bags
Once the water is boiling, remove it from heat and drop in the 4 green tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 minutes to achieve a perfect balance of flavor—too long and it turns bitter, too short and it feels weak.
Step 3: Add Lemon and Ginger
While the tea is still warm, squeeze in the juice of your large lemon and add the zest for that bright citrus aroma. Toss in the sliced ginger to start infusing its spicy warmth directly into the tea.
Step 4: Sweeten with Honey
Stir in 4 tablespoons of honey while the tea is warm so it dissolves perfectly, adding a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the lemon and ginger. Adjust the sweetness to your liking here.
Step 5: Cool and Strain
Let the tea mixture cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes, then strain out the ginger slices using a fine mesh strainer. This step ensures a smooth texture without any fibrous bits.
Step 6: Chill the Tea
Pour the strained tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until fully chilled, usually at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a refreshing, icy beverage.
Step 7: Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with plenty of ice cubes and generously pour the chilled Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey over the top. Add fresh mint leaves if you like for a fragrant, inviting garnish.
How to Serve Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey

Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves are a classic choice, adding a burst of color and a cooling aroma that complements the tea’s flavors. Thin lemon slices or a twist of lemon peel can also be beautiful and brighten the presentation.
Side Dishes
This iced tea pairs wonderfully with light, fresh dishes like cucumber sandwiches, summer salads, or even mildly spiced Asian appetizers. It’s versatile enough to be your refreshing companion at brunch or a light dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey in mason jars with colorful paper straws for a fun, casual vibe. For a more elegant touch, pour into tall, slim glasses and add edible flowers or a small sprig of rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving, as some separation of ingredients may occur.
Freezing
This iced tea is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, but you can freeze it in ice cube trays to add to other drinks or to chill the tea without diluting it when serving.
Reheating
While traditionally served cold, you can warm leftover tea gently on the stove if you prefer a soothing hot beverage. Just heat it slowly to avoid any bitterness and do not boil it again.
FAQs
Can I use loose leaf green tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Use about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf green tea per cup of water and steep for about 3 to 5 minutes, adjusting flavors as desired.
Is there a vegan-friendly alternative to honey?
Yes, agave syrup or maple syrup work beautifully as vegan alternatives, offering similar sweetness and a complementary flavor.
Can I adjust the ginger amount?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder ginger flavor, use less, or add more slices for a stronger, spicier kick.
How long does the iced tea stay fresh in the fridge?
For the best taste and freshness, consume your Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey within 3 days of preparation.
Can this recipe be made caffeine-free?
You can substitute the green tea bags with a caffeine-free herbal tea if you want to avoid caffeine, although the flavor profile will change a bit.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey is such a refreshing delight that feels like a little burst of happiness any time you drink it. It’s simple to make, wonderfully healthy, and just has that perfect balance of flavors to brighten your day. I hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you need a cool, uplifting drink.
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Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and invigorating Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea sweetened with honey, combining the zesty brightness of lemon, the warm spice of fresh ginger, and the subtle bitterness of green tea. Perfect for a healthy, cooling beverage on warm days.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 4 cups water
- 4 green tea bags
Flavors
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 inch fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 4 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
To Serve
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in a kettle or pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat to prepare for steeping the tea.
- Steep Tea: Add the 4 green tea bags to the hot water and allow them to steep for about 5 minutes to release the rich flavors. Then, remove and discard the tea bags.
- Add Lemon and Ginger: While the tea is still warm, stir in the freshly squeezed juice and zest of the large lemon, along with the peeled and sliced fresh ginger to infuse the tea with citrusy and spicy notes.
- Sweeten Tea: Mix in the 4 tablespoons of honey, stirring until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness according to preference.
- Cool and Strain: Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then strain out the ginger slices using a fine strainer to remove any residues.
- Chill Tea: Transfer the tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until it is thoroughly chilled, enhancing the refreshing qualities of the drink.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled iced green tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired for a hint of herbal aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred level of sweetness or substitute with other sweeteners like agave or stevia for variation.
- If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, allow the ginger to steep longer before straining or add more ginger slices.
- Use organic lemons and fresh ginger for the best flavor and health benefits.
- This iced tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
- For a cold brew option, steep the green tea bags and ginger in cold water overnight and add lemon and honey before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeping and Chilling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon ginger iced green tea, iced green tea recipe, healthy iced tea, honey sweetened tea, refreshing beverage, summer drinks