Making naturally flavored green tea at home is easier than you might think. In this blog, we will share step-by-step instructions for two of our favorite green tea recipes, all made with natural ingredients that offer numerous health benefits. Along with the detailed instructions, we will also provide essential tips, do’s and don’ts for each step, ensuring you can enjoy the perfect cup of flavored green tea anytime you like at home.

Take note that the recipes discussed are based on our experience with Svamingo Ceylon Green teas, high-grown, lighter in taste, and naturally smooth - ideal for iced and flavored green tea.

Before you get started, what you will need:

• 1 tablespoon green tea leaves
• A water boiling pan or kettle
• A tea pot for brewing tea
• 1 lemon slice for lemon green tea
• 2-3 mint leaves for mint green tea
• 2-3 tulsi leaves for tulsi green tea
  
• 1 tablespoon of natural honey

Note: if you don't have a tea pot, you can use a separate tea-making pan or mug that can hold at least 200ml of water.

Below 4 foundational steps are common for all green tea recipes, hot or ice:

1. Boil fresh water to simmering hot (not boiled!)
2. Add 1 tablespoon of loose green tea leaves to a pot
3. Pour the simmering hot water over tea leaves 
4. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes max, no more!

TIP 1: Use no more than 1 tablespoon of green tea leaves to prevent over-extraction and avoid a bitter taste.

TIP 2: Simmering water is hot but with few small bubbles, around 160–180°F (70–80°C). It’s perfect for green tea because it makes the tea smooth and not bitter.

TIP 3: Steep for no more than 3 minutes to prevent over-extraction and avoid a bitter taste.

OK, now we are ready!

Recipe 1: Iced green tea (flavored & unflavored)

We love iced green tea made with our green Ceylon tea. It is refreshingly smooth, light, and perfect for hot days. Brew a pot first thing in the morning, and you will have a refreshing treat all day long. It’s the perfect companion for your work-from-home setup, kid you not!

Steps for preparing unflavored iced green tea

1. Boil fresh water to simmering hot (not boiled!)
2. Add 1 tablespoon of loose green tea leaves to a pot
3. Pour the simmering hot water over tea leaves 
4. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes max, no more!
5. Remove the pot lid and stir the tea well
6. Let the tea pot rest in the freeze for 2-3 hours
7. Stir again, then pour the iced green tea into a cup
8. Add a few ice cubes on top if you like

Additional steps for flavored iced green tea

• Lemon Iced Green Tea: Add a slice of lemon to the pot before refrigerating (step 5)
• Mint Iced Green Tea: Add 2–3 mint leaves to the pot before refrigerating (step 5)
• Tulsi Iced Green Tea: Add 2–3 tulsi leaves to the pot before refrigerating (step 5)

TIP: We recommend experimenting with different ingredient amounts at each step until you find your perfect balance. Over time, you will understand why we suggest specific amounts of tea leaves, flavoring ingredients, and brewing/cooling times. Enjoy the process!

Recipe 2: Green tea with lemon and honey

Not everyone enjoys the natural bitterness of green tea, and if you're one of them, honey is here to save the day! Adding natural lemon and honey not only balances the flavor but also boosts the antioxidant benefits of your tea. Like green tea, lemon is packed with antioxidants, but it can also add a bit of bitterness. That’s where honey comes in—a small pinch goes a long way in creating a refreshing and enjoyable cup of green tea. 

Steps for preparing green tea with lemon and honey

1. Boil fresh water to simmering hot (not boiled!)
2. Add 1 tablespoon of loose green tea leaves to a pot
3. Add a slice of lemon along with tea leaves
4. Pour the simmering hot water over tea leaves 
5. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes max, no more!
6. Open the pot lid and let it rest open for few more mins
7. Add a pinch of honey as per your need, stir well before drinking

TIP: 2-3 minutes of steep time is just enough to extract the lemon flavor. Avoid consuming flavor tea hot, wait for it to cool down a bit for the flavor to settle well with tea (step 6).