Iced Green Tea with Citrus
In short: Light iced green tea steeped at a gentle temperature to stay sweet and not bitter, then lifted with orange and lemon juice. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 34 kcal
Green tea turns bitter when it is brewed with boiling water or left to steep for too long, which is why homemade iced green tea sometimes disappoints. Cooler water and a short steep fix the problem. Orange and lemon juice add sweetness and brightness, and a little sugar softens any grassy edge. The drink is lighter and more delicate than iced black tea, and it has less caffeine.
Instructions
- Bring the 500 ml (2 cups) of water to a boil, then take it off the heat and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes, until it cools to about 80°C (175°F).
- Put the tea bags in a heatproof jug and pour in the hot water. Steep for exactly 2 minutes, then lift out the bags without squeezing them.
- Stir in the sugar while the tea is warm, until it dissolves.
- Add the cold water, orange juice and lemon juice and stir. Taste and add a little more sugar if you want it sweeter.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, until cold.
- Pour over ice and add a slice of orange and lemon to each glass.
Tips
- Delicate green teas like a cooler brew, around 70 to 75°C (160 to 170°F). Sturdier ones take up to 80°C (175°F).
- Try jasmine green tea for a floral version, or add a few thin slices of fresh ginger to the jug while it chills.
Questions and answers
Why does my iced green tea taste bitter?
The water was too hot or the tea steeped too long. Let boiled water stand for 2 to 3 minutes and steep for no more than 2 minutes.
How long does iced green tea keep?
Up to 3 days in a covered jug in the fridge. The citrus flavor is brightest in the first day or so and fades slowly after that.
Does green tea have caffeine?
Yes, but less than black tea, roughly 25 to 35 mg per cup. Decaffeinated green tea bags work in this recipe too.
How long does it take to make Iced Green Tea with Citrus?
About 10 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Iced Green Tea with Citrus?
About 34 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 34 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
