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Spiced Tea with Tang and Lemonade

A perfectly balanced drink that combines warm spices with bright citrus tartness. Ready in 15 minutes, this versatile tea can be served hot or cold for a comforting yet refreshing beverage that tastes like a secret cafe menu item.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Modern American
Calories: 65
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups fresh water
  • 2 black tea bags or loose leaf equivalent
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 pinches ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 to 2 lemons
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar adjust to taste
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Fresh lemon slices for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or kettle
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden spoon or small whisk
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Two mugs or glasses
  • Juicer or citrus reamer
  • Small bowl for mixing

Method
 

  1. Pour 2 cups of fresh water into a small saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Once the water reaches a boil, carefully add 2 black tea bags directly into the hot water. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and let the bags sit for 1 minute.
  3. Measure out all dry spices into a small bowl: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon cloves, 2 pinches nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns.
  4. Add all the spices directly to the hot tea water with the tea bags still steeping. Stir well for about 30 seconds and let everything steep together for 4 to 5 minutes.
  5. Place a fine mesh strainer over a heat-safe pitcher or measuring cup and carefully pour the tea through it to catch all the tea leaves and spice particles. Press gently on the tea bags with the back of a spoon to extract liquid.
  6. While the tea is still hot, juice fresh lemons to get 3 tablespoons of juice. Strain the juice through a fine mesh to remove any pulp or seeds.
  7. Pour the hot spiced tea into your mugs or cups and immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice.
  8. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to each cup and stir until fully dissolved. Taste and add a tiny pinch of sea salt if the citrus feels too sharp.
  9. Drop a fresh lemon slice into each cup if desired and serve immediately while hot. For a cold version, let the tea cool completely, then pour over ice and add fresh lemon slices.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. The tea can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The spice flavor deepens during storage. For cold brew version, steep all ingredients in room-temperature water overnight. Add a splash of milk or cream for a chai-style variation.