Last year I developed a slight addiction to a popular brand, bottled green tea beverage flavored with ginseng and honey. I would stop at the 7-Eleven on the way to my teach my night classes and purchase a bottle, and it would energize me through the evening and keep me awake half the night too. Later, I came to believe that I was also having an allergic reaction to this delightful concoction and gave it up. But recently, I have begun experiments to recreate this beverage perfection at home…but decaf this time. This is a less stimulating version of my green tea elixir.
Ingredients:
5 decaf green tea bags (inexpensive variety, individual size)
3 tablespoons good quality honey
Juice of ½ lemon (must be fresh squeezed)
1 quart filtered water
Directions:
1. Heat one cup of the water to no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important because green tea burns easily and will taste like grass if burnt. If you don’t want to use a thermometer, you can tell if the water is not too hot because you should be able to hold your hand in the water without discomfort for several minutes at or below this temperature. If the water isn’t comfortable for you, it won’t be for the green tea either.
2. Soak the tea bags in the warm water for 3 to 15 minutes. Next, remove the teabags and stir in the honey and lemon juice. Add the remaining filtered water. Chill and serve over ice.
