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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Herbs & Flavorings
Sweetener
Optional Garnish / Serve With
Method
Brew the Tea
Add tea bags
Place 2 black tea bags into a heatproof teapot or heatproof pitcher.
Steep
Pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Let steep 4 minutes for a medium strength. If you prefer stronger tea, steep up to 5 minutes; for lighter, 2–3 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags after steeping.
Infuse with Mint & Lemon
While the tea steeps, gently bruise 12 fresh mint leaves by clapping them between your palms or crushing lightly with a spoon — this releases essential oils without turning them bitter.
Add the bruised mint leaves and 4 lemon slices to the teapot/pitcher with the hot brewed tea. Let the mint and lemon infuse for 3–5 minutes while the tea cools slightly so flavors meld.
After infusion, stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to add brightness and adjust acidity.
Sweeten & Finish
While the tea is still warm (not boiling), stir in 3 tablespoons honey until fully dissolved. Taste and add more honey if you prefer sweeter — start with 1 tablespoon increments.
Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher to remove mint leaves and lemon slices if you prefer a clear tea. If you like leaves and slices in the cup, you may leave them in.
Serve
For hot tea: Pour into warmed cups. Garnish each cup with an extra mint sprig and a lemon wheel.
For iced tea: Let the finished tea cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes), then refrigerate until cold or pour over a pitcher filled with 2 cups of ice. Stir once and garnish with mint sprigs and lemon wheels.