Got leftover lemons? Don’t just toss them, turn them into a sweet and tart lemon tea that is both warm and soothing. It’s quick, cozy, and simple. Bright, citrusy lemons are steeped in hot water, then paired with black tea, honey, and ginger for a gentle balance of sweetness and warmth. It’s great for cold winter days.
Adding hot honey brings a subtle heat that pairs well with the lemon and ginger, making this tea feel just a little more special. Enjoy it plain or dress it up with spices, depending on your mood.
Ingredients
- At least one leftover lemon half. This works even if the half is juiced and zested, but the tea will have a stronger flavor if you add the juice and zest.
- 1-2 cups of hot water
- 1 tea bag, black
- 1 teaspoon hot honey, or to taste → see our hot honey recipe!
- 1 teaspoon of fresh or ground ginger
Instructions
- Add the lemon half (or halves) into a small pot and add the 1-2 cups of water. If the lemon is unjuiced/unzested, feel free to juice and/or zest it, then add it to the water for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Heat the water, squeezing the lemon as it heats. Once warm (but not boiling), add the black tea bag and continue to keep the tea warm, letting the tea steep for 3-5 minutes. During this time, add the (hot) honey and ginger and mix well.
- Once the tea is steeped and the flavors have infused, remove the tea bag and lemon halves, and strain out any remaining solids, if needed (such as hot honey chili flakes or fresh ginger).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- For a stronger drink, let the tea bag steep for 5-7 minutes.
- For a milder, caffeine-free drink, skip the tea bag and make it purely lemon and honey.
- Swap the hot honey for plain honey or sugar if you prefer no heat.
- For a cold version, let the tea cool slightly, then serve over ice.
- This tea is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, then reheated.
- Not a fan of ginger? This tea also pairs well with mint or cinnamon for a bit of extra flavor.
- To make vegan, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup as a honey substitute.
Warm and Comforting Lemon Tea
Got leftover lemons? Don’t just toss them, turn them into a sweet and tart lemon tea that is both warm and soothing. It’s quick, cozy, and simple. Bright, citrusy lemons are steeped in hot water, then paired with black tea, honey, and ginger for a gentle balance of sweetness and warmth. It’s great for cold winter days.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the lemon half (or halves) into a small pot and add the 1-2 cups of water. If the lemon is unjuiced/unzested, feel free to juice and/or zest it, then add it to the water for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Heat the water, squeezing the lemon as it heats. Once warm (but not boiling), add the black tea bag and continue to keep the tea warm, letting the tea steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the (hot) honey and ginger and mix well.
- Once tea is steeped and the flavors infused, remove tea bag and lemon halves, and strain out any remaining solids, if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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