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Panera Charged Lemonade

A refreshing copycat of Panera's Charged Lemonade combining fresh lemon juice with green tea for a balanced sweet and tart drink.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 5 to 6 fresh lemons
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 green tea bags
  • 5 cups water 1 cup hot for steeping tea, 4 cups cold
  • 2 cups ice
  • Lemon slices optional, for garnish
  • Fresh mint optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pitcher (at least 2 quarts)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Citrus juicer or hand squeezer
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Tall glasses for serving
  • Kettle for boiling water

Method
 

  1. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil in a kettle over high heat.
  2. Place 3 green tea bags in a heatproof pitcher and pour the boiling water over them; steep for 3 to 4 minutes, then discard the tea bags.
  3. Add 4 cups of cold water to the steeped tea in the pitcher to stop the brewing process and cool the mixture.
  4. Cut 5 to 6 lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer, straining out any pulp or seeds.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup warm water from the pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  6. Pour the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup into the pitcher with the cooled green tea and stir thoroughly; adjust sweetness or tartness with extra sugar or water if desired.
  7. Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Fill tall glasses with ice, pour the charged lemonade over the ice leaving about 1/2 inch at the top, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint.

Notes

For deeper flavor integration, make the lemonade the night before and refrigerate overnight. Shake or stir well before serving.