Honey Citrus Mint Tea Recipe
I absolutely adore this refreshing tea recipe because it perfectly balances the rich, bold flavor of black tea with the invigorating freshness of mint and citrus. Plus, the subtle sweetness from the honey makes it a guilt-free treat that I can enjoy all year round!
My Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a delicious blend of flavors, and it is a good example of how much I value the practice of refreshing and uplifting beverages. Whenever someone asks me about my favorite drink—this is it!
I give this tea my full love, the same way I do with all my drinks. Every part of it is considerable; the sweet balance of honey, the punch of the citrus fruit juices, and the depth of black tea, all combined with the soothing flavor of fresh mint, make this drink as good as it gets.
Ingredients
Water: Serving as the base, it is hydrating and contains no calories.
Caffeine and antioxidants abound in black tea, which may do the following: give you a lift; keep you refreshed and awake.
Mint that is not dried but fresh has an invigorating and pleasant smell.
It is very good for digestion.
Honey: Natural sweetener, provides antioxidants and energy.
Lemon Juice, Fresh: Contains a wealth of vitamin C and provides a sharp, tangy flavor.
Fresh Orange Juice: A source of vitamin C; it also contributes sweetness and a citrusy aroma.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea or 2 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1-2 lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- 1-2 orange slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a pot of medium size, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. When it comes to a boil, take the pot off the heat and put in 2 tablespoons of loose leaf black tea or 2 tea bags of black tea.
3. Add 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves to the pot.
4. Put a lid on the pot and allow the tea and mint to infuse for around 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the liquid into a large heatproof pitcher after straining the tea to get rid of the tea leaves or bags, and the mint leaves.
6. Mix 1/4 cup of honey with the following until it disappears into the mixture: 1 16-ounce can of light coconut milk, two tablespoons of coconut oil (melted), and one tablespoon of vanilla extract.
7. In the pitcher, combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice, freshly squeezed, with 1/4 cup of orange juice, also freshly squeezed. Mix well.
8. Sample the tea and adjust the sweetness or citrus as you wish by adding more honey or juice.
9. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until it is cold.
10. Serve the tea over ice in individual glasses. If desired, garnish each glass with a slice of lemon, a slice of orange, and a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Medium-sized pot
2. Lid for the pot
3. Large heatproof pitcher
4. Strainer
5. Measuring cup
6. Tablespoon measuring spoon
7. Mixing spoon
8. Small bowl (for mixing melted coconut oil, if needed)
9. Citrus juicer or reamer
10. Knife (for slicing lemon and orange for garnish)
11. Cutting board
12. Refrigerator
13. Ice cube tray (optional, if needing to make ice)
14. Glasses for serving
FAQ
- What type of tea can I use?Either loose leaf black tea or black tea bags can be used, depending on your preference or what you have available.
- Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?For optimal flavor, use fresh mint. Dried mint is acceptable, but use about half of what you’d use if the mint were fresh. Adjust to taste, bearing in mind that you might want to add a little more than a pinch.
- Can I substitute other sweeteners for honey?Other sweeteners such as agave syrup or sugar can be used, but they may change the flavor profile, in minor ways or major.
- How long should I steep the tea?For the best strength and flavor, steep the tea for about 5 minutes. However, you can adjust this steeping time as necessary to suit your taste.
- Is it necessary to use both lemon and orange juice?Both juices add their own wonderful citrus depth, but you can stick with just one if you prefer. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Can I serve this tea chilled?Certainly! Following the brewing process, allow it to cool, and then either refrigerate it or serve it over ice for a delightful, cold drink.
- Are the garnishes necessary?Optional, the garnishes are, but add a nice visual appeal and a slight touch of extra flavor they do.
Substitutions and Variations
Loose leaf black tea or black tea bags can be replaced with green tea or herbal tea for a different flavor profile.
Dried mint can be used in place of fresh mint leaves, but you may need to use less, since dried herbs are more potent.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of honey, aware that this will cause a slight shift in flavor.
Lime juice can be used instead of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a somewhat different citrus note.
Grapefruit juice can be used in place of freshly squeezed orange juice when desired.
Pro Tips
1. Optimize Brewing Time: To ensure a perfect balance of flavors, don’t steep the tea longer than 7 minutes. Over-steeping can make the tea bitter. If you prefer a stronger flavor, add more tea instead of steeping longer.
2. Muddle the Mint: Before adding the mint leaves to the pot, gently muddle them with a wooden spoon or muddler. This will release more of their essential oils and enhance the minty flavor of the tea.
3. Balance Sweetness and Citrus: Taste the mixture before chilling and tweak the sweetness or acidity to your liking. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, add a touch more honey.
4. Chill Effectively: To quickly chill the tea, you can use an ice bath. Place the heatproof pitcher in a larger bowl filled with ice and water to bring the temperature down faster before transferring to the refrigerator.
5. Enhance Aromas: Garnish just before serving for the best presentation and aroma. Use fresh, vibrant slices of lemon and orange, and a sprig of mint, which will provide a fresh burst of fragrance as you enjoy your drink.
Honey Citrus Mint Tea Recipe
My favorite Honey Citrus Mint Tea Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Medium-sized pot
2. Lid for the pot
3. Large heatproof pitcher
4. Strainer
5. Measuring cup
6. Tablespoon measuring spoon
7. Mixing spoon
8. Small bowl (for mixing melted coconut oil, if needed)
9. Citrus juicer or reamer
10. Knife (for slicing lemon and orange for garnish)
11. Cutting board
12. Refrigerator
13. Ice cube tray (optional, if needing to make ice)
14. Glasses for serving
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea or 2 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1-2 lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- 1-2 orange slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a pot of medium size, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. When it comes to a boil, take the pot off the heat and put in 2 tablespoons of loose leaf black tea or 2 tea bags of black tea.
3. Add 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves to the pot.
4. Put a lid on the pot and allow the tea and mint to infuse for around 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the liquid into a large heatproof pitcher after straining the tea to get rid of the tea leaves or bags, and the mint leaves.
6. Mix 1/4 cup of honey with the following until it disappears into the mixture: 1 16-ounce can of light coconut milk, two tablespoons of coconut oil (melted), and one tablespoon of vanilla extract.
7. In the pitcher, combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice, freshly squeezed, with 1/4 cup of orange juice, also freshly squeezed. Mix well.
8. Sample the tea and adjust the sweetness or citrus as you wish by adding more honey or juice.
9. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until it is cold.
10. Serve the tea over ice in individual glasses. If desired, garnish each glass with a slice of lemon, a slice of orange, and a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!