When the summer heat is at its peak, nothing beats a refreshing and revitalizing beverage to quench your thirst.
Cold Citrus-Mint Tea is the perfect choice, combining the goodness of fruits and the calming aroma of mint.
This easy-to-make drink not only stirs your taste buds but also provides essential vitamins and nutrients for your body.
To prepare Cold Citrus-Mint Tea, you will need the following simple ingredients:
- 10-15g of your favorite tea variety
- 4 sprigs of fresh mint
- 5g of ginger (powdered or natural)
- 1 lemon
- 2 oranges
- 4-5 tablespoons of honey
- 1.2 liters of boiled water (600ml boiled water + 600ml room temperature water)
Directions:
1. Brew the tea:
In a saucepan, brew the tea by adding 600ml of boiling water to it. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, ensuring a strong tea base since we will add citrus juice and dilute it later with the remaining boiled water.
2. Infuse with flavors:
To the brewed tea, add the zest of one lemon and two oranges. Ensure to cut the zest without the white rind, as it imparts bitterness. Add three sprigs of mint and ginger. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Prepare the citrus juice:
While the tea is simmering, prepare the citrus juice. Extract the juice of half a lemon and 1.5 oranges into a glass. Save the remaining halves of orange and lemon for garnishing later.
4. Infuse the peel:
Once the juice is extracted, add the leftover citrus peels to the tea mixture and allow it to infuse. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, for approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. Combine and sweeten:
Transfer the infused tea to a beautiful jug, ensuring to filter out any solids. Add honey and stir thoroughly until it completely dissolves. Next, pour in the prepared citrus juice and the remaining 600ml of water. Give it a good mix.
6. Garnish:
For the final touch, add the chopped fruits and mint leaves to the mint tea. You can also use the reserved orange and lemon halves as garnishes, either sliced or cubed. Make the Citrus-Mint Tea chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste!
This delightful beverage offers various benefits for your health and well-being:
1. Provides Essential Nutrients: The combination of fruits and mint in this tea provides essential vitamins and minerals that support your immune system and overall health.
2. Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hot summer days. Cold Mint Tea with Citrus helps replenish your body's fluids, keeping you refreshed and energized.
3. Soothes sore throats: The presence of honey in this tea can help soothe sore throats and suppress coughs, making it a perfect drink during cold and flu season.
4. Low in sugar: Unlike some store-bought drinks, this homemade version contains lower sugar content, making it a healthier choice without compromising taste.