Did you know that a simple cup of lemon tea can do more than just quench your thirst? Besides being delicious, it’s packed with vitamin C, which helps boost our immune system, supports healthy skin, and keeps our energy up.
In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to make lemon tea at home, showing all the details to preserve its nutrients and enjoy a café-quality drink.
Ingredients Preparation: What We Need
To make 2 cups (500ml each) of vitamin C-rich lemon tea, we need:
- Fresh lemons: 2 fragrant lemons (or 1 lemon + 1 small green tangerine if fragrant lemons are unavailable)
- Tea leaves: 15 grams (Ceylon black tea for rich flavor or jasmine green tea for a lighter taste)
- Rock sugar syrup: 60ml (made by dissolving 60g rock sugar in 60ml water over low heat)
- Ice cubes: about 10–12 cubes made from purified water
Tools we need:
- Shaker or mason jar with lid
- Muddler or wooden tool to press lemons
- Fine strainer
- Kettle and thermometer (optional, to control water temperature)
Step 1: Brew the Tea Base
The tea base is the foundation of flavor and vitamin C preservation.
1. Boil water and let it cool for 30 seconds to reach 95°C (203°F). Water that’s too hot will destroy vitamin C.
2. Add 15 grams of tea leaves to a teapot or heatproof container.
3. Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for 8 minutes.
4. Strain the tea immediately using a fine strainer to remove leaves.
5. Optional: Pour the tea into a bowl of ice water for quick cooling, preserving flavor and nutrients.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemons
Handling lemons properly ensures the best taste and vitamin C content.
1. Wash the lemons thoroughly, rubbing with a little salt to remove wax and impurities.
2. Cut the lemons into slices about 0.5 cm thick and remove all seeds.
3. In a shaker, place 4 lemon slices and 5–6 ice cubes.
4. Use a muddler to press the lemons gently, releasing juice without crushing the peel too much to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Combine Tea, Lemon, and Syrup
Now we bring all ingredients together.
1. In the shaker with pressed lemons, add 60ml rock sugar syrup.
2. Pour 200ml cooled tea into the shaker.
3. Add more ice cubes to reach 400ml total volume.
4. Close the lid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds, until the shaker wall fogs and the sound becomes dull. This creates a smooth froth and fully blends flavors.
Step 4: Serve the Lemon Tea
Presentation is part of the experience.
1. Place 2 fresh lemon slices at the bottom of each cup.
2. Pour in the shaken lemon tea.
3. Optional: Garnish with mint or rosemary leaves for aroma and visual appeal.
4. Before drinking, stir well to mix syrup and tea evenly. Enjoy the first sip for a refreshing, vitamin C-packed taste.
Tips to Maximize Vitamin C
- Always use fresh lemons; bottled juice loses nutrients.
- Avoid boiling water directly on lemon juice to preserve vitamin C.
- Drink lemon tea fresh; vitamin C degrades over time.
- For an iced version, use purified water ice cubes to keep the tea clear.
Extra Benefits and Variations
Besides vitamin C, lemon tea:
- Hydrates and refreshes
- Supports digestion
- Provides a natural energy boost
Creative twists:
- Add strawberry, orange, or kiwi slices for more vitamins
- Add herbs like mint or chamomile for flavor and antioxidants
Enjoy Your Lemon Tea
Lykkers, taking the time to make lemon tea carefully brings more than just a delicious drink—it gives us a daily boost of vitamin C and a little moment of self-care. By following these steps—measuring tea, using fresh lemons, cooling properly, and shaking well—we turn a simple cup into a refreshing and healthy ritual. Next time we feel like ordering takeout, let’s make it at home and enjoy both the taste and the satisfaction of doing it ourselves.
