Brewing the Base
This invigorating green tea tonic combines the refreshing taste of green tea with zesty citrus and crisp cucumber.
It’s a perfect blend of health benefits and delicious flavors.
• 1 green tea bag
• 1 cup water
• 1 lime
• 1/2 cucumber
• Ice cubes
• Tonic water
Choosing Your Green Tea
Select a high-quality green tea for the best flavor.
Look for whole leaf teas or pyramid tea bags that allow the leaves to expand fully.
Sencha or Dragonwell varieties work well, offering a balance of grassy and slightly sweet notes.
Avoid using flavored green teas, as they may overpower the other ingredients.
Green tea bags are a convenient option if you’re short on time.
They provide a consistent flavor and are easy to remove after steeping.
If using loose leaf tea, invest in a fine mesh strainer or infuser to prevent leaves from escaping into your drink.
The Right Water Temperature
Green tea is delicate and requires cooler water than black tea to avoid bitterness.
Aim for water between 160°F and 175°F (70°C to 80°C).
If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring water to a boil, then let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
Pour the hot water over your tea bag or leaves.
Then, steep for 2-3 minutes, no longer.
Oversteeping can result in a bitter taste, so make sure to remove the tea bag or strain out the leaves.
Let the brewed tea cool to room temperature.
This process allows the flavors to develop and ensures your tonic won’t be watered down by melting ice.
For a quicker cool-down, place your brewed tea in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.