Iced lemon tea with raw honey and fresh juice has become my summertime go-to, naturally sweetened beverage.
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We've been having some gorgeous weather in Southwestern Ontario! It's a nice early start to summer. I relish the season of sitting on the front porch or back deck with a tall, thirst-quenching glass of iced tea.
I haven't always been a big iced tea fan. I'm really more of a coffee lover, myself. However, I wanted to like iced tea, and I think I've finally got it right! This lemony tea is slightly sweetened with just enough raw honey. I see more iced tea in our future now!
2026 Update: We've now been living in the Midwestern United States for two years, and I get to enjoy my iced tea even more often! The season for sitting out on our patio and enjoying this delicious, refreshing cold drink has been extended on both ends!
As I've learned during the time we've spent traveling in the United States (and now living here), iced tea means different things to different people. Many Canadians think of the sweet, sugary drink that comes in a can or is mixed up from a powder (Does that still exist?). It bears little resemblance to actual brewed tea. It's been ages since I've had that! Americans tend to make iced tea from real, brewed tea, and I like that.
In the States now, I have ventured out and been serving this tea to people who grew up in the South, and they like it!
Ingredients
- Tea: In the States, tea often comes in larger bags, especially for this purpose. If you're using 1-cup tea bags, you'll need 6-8. I like 3 of the big ones in this recipe. You'll come to know what strength you prefer. For a caffeine-free cold drink, use decaffeinated tea.
- Honey: I use raw honey as my sweetener for its nutritional benefits. And, it tastes good!
- Lemon Juice: This is freshly-squeezed lemon juice. It's optional, depending on your preferences.
Instructions
- Steep the tea in boiling water.
2. Add honey to warm tea.
3. Stir in freshly-squeezed lemon juice.
4. Serve over ice!
Tip
Since I enjoy my food and drink in the most natural form possible, I prefer my iced tea closer to the American style. I sweeten it with raw honey after the tea has cooled down a little, so as not to destroy the nutritional benefits of the honey. Heating honey destroys many of the nutrients and enzymes. I also give my tea some zip by adding a little lemon.
How do you like your iced tea?
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Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over teabags. Let steep for 3 minutes. Remove tea bags.6 bags dried tea8 cups boiling water
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes so the heat doesn't destroy the enzymes in the raw honey. If you're not using raw honey, this step is not important.
- Stir in honey and lemon juice. Chill in refrigerator.1 lemon½ cup raw honey
- Garnish with slices of lemon and serve over ice.1 additional lemonice
Fabian says
This is a wonderful recipe.
When I found it, it was just what I was searching for.
Healthy alternative for me. Couldn’t find healthy juice drink, or carbonated solution. So, this provided the answer as to what I want to do, what I should be drinking.
Delicious!!!
Thank you Cathy, never stop doing what you’re doing.
Cathy Brak says
I’m so happy you found this, Fabian! Thank you for taking the time to share your appreciation.