This lemon ginger green tea is the drink I make when I want something warm and cozy in the morning, or something cold and zingy on a hot afternoon. It takes about ten minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have, and tastes just as good hot from the mug as it does poured over a tall glass of ice.
The flavor is simple and bright: grassy green tea, a sharp kick of fresh ginger, plenty of lemon, and just enough honey to round it all out. A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of cinnamon are optional, but they add a nice tangy, warm note if you like your tea with a little more character.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Ginger Tea
- Quick and easy: no special equipment, no blender, just a kettle and a jar.
- Hot or iced: the same base works both ways, so it’s a year-round recipe.
- Easy to adjust: more ginger for heat, more honey for sweetness, more lemon for tang.
- Light and refreshing: about 20 calories per glass when made with a teaspoon of honey.
Ingredients
- Green tea: regular tea bags or loose leaf both work. Matcha is a fun swap if you want a brighter green color and a smoother taste.
- Fresh ginger: grate it for a stronger, spicier flavor, or slice it thin for a milder tea. There’s no need to peel it if you strain the tea.
- Fresh lemon: bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemon is much brighter.
- Honey: or maple syrup, or any sweetener you like. Skip it entirely if you prefer unsweetened tea.
- Apple cider vinegar (optional): just a teaspoon adds a pleasant tang, a bit like a shrub.
- Cinnamon (optional): a small pinch or a cinnamon stick makes it taste cozier in the colder months.
You’ll find exact quantities in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Lemon Ginger Green Tea
1. Heat the water
Bring the water to just below a boil. Green tea turns bitter with boiling water, so if your kettle doesn’t have a temperature setting, let it rest for a minute or two after it clicks off.
2. Steep the tea and ginger
Add the tea bags and grated ginger to the hot water. Steep the tea for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove the bags. Leave the ginger in for up to 10 minutes if you like a spicier tea.
3. Add lemon and honey
Strain out the ginger if you want a smooth drink, then stir in the lemon juice and honey. Taste and adjust: a little more honey if it’s too sharp, a little more lemon if it’s too sweet. Add the apple cider vinegar and cinnamon now if you’re using them.
4. Serve hot or over ice
Pour into mugs and enjoy warm, or let it cool and pour it over a glass full of ice. A thin lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint makes it look extra nice.
Tips and Variations
- Make it sparkling: brew the tea a little stronger, let it cool, and top each glass with sparkling water.
- Make a pitcher: multiply the recipe by four, let it cool, and keep it in the fridge for iced tea all week.
- Add fruit: a few muddled raspberries or a splash of orange juice work beautifully with the ginger.
- Swap the tea: use rooibos or a herbal tea if you’d like a caffeine-free version.
- Turn it into a slushie: blend the cooled tea with a big handful of ice.
Lemon Ginger Green Tea
Equipment
- Kettle or pot for heating water
- Tea infuser or matcha whisk
- Fine grater or microplane (for ginger)
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing jar, shaker, or large glass
- Strainer (optional, for smoother texture)
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 green tea bags or 2 tsp loose green tea
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated or thinly sliced
- 2 tsp honey or to taste
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon optional
- ice cubes, lemon slices or fresh mint optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the water until hot but not boiling.
- Add the green tea and grated ginger. Steep the tea for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Leave the ginger in a few more minutes for a spicier tea.
- Strain out the ginger if you prefer a smooth tea.
- Stir in the lemon juice and honey. Add the apple cider vinegar and cinnamon if using. Taste and adjust.
- Serve warm, or let it cool and pour over ice. Garnish with lemon slices or mint.
Notes
- For a stronger tea, steep an extra minute, but don't go much longer or it will turn bitter.
- Fresh ginger tastes best, but you can use 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger per serving in a pinch.
- Add the honey once the tea has cooled slightly so it dissolves gently.
- For iced tea, let it cool completely before pouring over ice.
- Apple cider vinegar is optional and adds tang. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Garnish with a lemon slice, fresh mint or a cinnamon stick.
Storage
Keep leftover tea in a covered jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days. The ginger flavor gets stronger as it sits, so strain it first if you prefer a milder taste. Give it a stir or a shake before pouring.
FAQ
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes. Brew it, let it cool, and refrigerate it. Add the ice right before serving so it doesn’t get watered down.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
You can use about 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger per serving, but fresh ginger has a much brighter, cleaner flavor.
Why does my green tea taste bitter?
Usually because the water was too hot or the tea steeped too long. Use water just below boiling and remove the tea bags after 2 to 3 minutes.
Do I have to add apple cider vinegar?
Not at all. It’s purely for flavor and gives a little tang. The tea is just as good without it.
More Drinks to Try
If you love easy homemade drinks, try this almond berry smoothie, this creamy mango oatmeal breakfast smoothie, or this bright orange chia smoothie.
