Ice Lemon Black Tea

Global • halal_safe

kcal

0.1g

Protein

6.5g

Carbs

Fat

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How to Make Ice Lemon Black Tea (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

easy

Ice Lemon Black Tea is a beloved Malaysian beverage, enjoyed in kopitiams (local coffee shops) and modern cafes alike. This refreshing drink showcases Malaysia’s multicultural culinary heritage, blending robust black tea with the zesty brightness of lemon and a hint of gula Melaka (palm sugar), a staple sweetener found throughout the archipelago. The addition of pandan leaves, a classic local ingredient, imparts a subtle aroma that elevates the tea’s fragrance, echoing the flavors found across the country’s diverse communities. Malaysians often drink Ice Lemon Black Tea during hot afternoons, especially as a thirst-quenching alternative to sugary sodas. Its vibrant, citrusy taste and the cooling sensation of ice make it a popular choice during festive gatherings and everyday meals. Whether served at street food stalls or upscale restaurants, this drink resonates with the Malaysian love for bold flavors and natural ingredients. By using local produce and minimizing artificial sweeteners, this recipe offers a health-conscious twist while honoring traditional methods. Perfect for vegetarians and those seeking a lighter, refreshing beverage, Ice Lemon Black Tea is a testament to Malaysia’s inventive approach to global drinks. With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, it's easy to prepare at home, making it a great addition to your daily snack repertoire.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Ingredients(for 1 tall glass per serving, typical in Malaysian kopitiams)

2 tablespoons Black tea leaves (Teh hitam)
3 cups Water (Filtered)
1 large Lemon (Locally sourced if possible)
2 tablespoons Gula Melaka (palm sugar) (Or substitute with honey)
2 leaves Pandan leaves (Daun pandan, knotted)
1 cup Ice cubes (For serving)
1 stalk Lemongrass stalk (Serai, bruised) - optional
6 leaves Mint leaves (Daun pudina) - optional
to taste Stevia or low-calorie sweetener (Optional, for weight loss version) - optional

Instructions

1
Bring 3 cups of filtered water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add pandan leaves and bruised lemongrass stalk for extra aroma.
5 minutes
Use fresh pandan and lemongrass for the best fragrance.
2
Add black tea leaves (teh hitam) to the boiling water. Lower the heat and steep for 5-7 minutes until a rich, dark color develops.
7 minutes
Do not over-steep to avoid bitterness.
3
Remove the pandan leaves, lemongrass, and tea leaves using a strainer. Set the brewed tea aside to cool slightly.
3 minutes
Pour tea through a fine mesh to remove all solids.
4
While tea is cooling, cut the lemon in half. Squeeze juice from one half and slice the other half into thin rounds for garnish.
2 minutes
Roll the lemon before cutting to release more juice.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This recipe prioritizes natural ingredients and limits refined sugars, supporting balanced blood sugar levels and overall wellness. Using pandan and lemongrass infuses the tea with phytonutrients, while lemon adds a vitamin boost. Served iced, it hydrates without excess calories, making it a smart choice for those watching their weight or seeking a nutritious snack. The vegetarian nature and adaptability for vegan diets enhance its health profile, aligning with modern dietary preferences.

Ice Lemon Black Tea is naturally low in calories and fat, especially when sweetened with gula Melaka or stevia. Black tea provides antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, promoting immunity and skin health, while pandan and lemongrass offer additional micronutrients and aromatic benefits. This drink contains minimal carbs when made with alternative sweeteners, making it suitable for weight management and diabetic diets.

Pro Tips

💡Tip 1: Use premium loose black tea leaves for richer flavor.
💡Tip 2: Knotted pandan leaves prevent unraveling in boiling water.
💡Tip 3: Prepare extra tea concentrate and dilute with ice and water for larger gatherings.