Ice Lemon Green Tea
Global • halal_safe
How to Make Ice Lemon Green Tea (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Ice Lemon Green Tea is a refreshing beverage widely enjoyed across Malaysia, especially during the hot and humid afternoons. This drink seamlessly blends the subtle, earthy undertones of green tea with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, creating a harmonious balance that appeals to Malaysians from all walks of life. Its popularity is deeply rooted in Malaysia’s multicultural food scene, with influences from Chinese tea traditions and the local penchant for cooling drinks. The addition of local aromatics such as pandan leaves and lemongrass elevates the flavor profile, making it uniquely Malaysian. In Malaysia, iced teas are often served in kopitiams (traditional coffee shops) and roadside stalls, offering a healthier alternative to sugary sodas. Ice Lemon Green Tea is celebrated for its simplicity, natural ingredients, and ability to quench thirst while providing antioxidants. The drink is light, invigorating, and pairs perfectly with local snacks, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious, low-calorie treat. Whether enjoyed during festive gatherings or as a midday pick-me-up, Ice Lemon Green Tea remains a staple in the Malaysian beverage repertoire.
Ingredients(for 1 tall glass (about 300ml) per serving)
- 2 teaspoons Green tea leaves (Teh hijau)
- 3 cups Water (Air)
- 1 whole Lemon (Limau nipis or limau kasturi)
- 1 long leaf Pandan leaf (Daun pandan, knotted) - optional
- 1 stalk Lemongrass stalk (Serai, bruised) - optional
- 2 teaspoons Honey (Madu, or substitute with stevia for lower calories) - optional
- 1 cup Ice cubes (Ais batu)
- 6 leaves Mint leaves (Daun pudina, for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Boil water with pandan leaf and lemongrass for added fragrance. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5 minutes
Knotted pandan and bruised lemongrass allow better flavor infusion.
- 2
Remove pandan and lemongrass. Add green tea leaves to the hot water and steep for 3-5 minutes.
5 minutes
Do not over-steep green tea to avoid bitterness.
- 3
Strain the tea into a jug and let it cool to room temperature.
10 minutes
Cooling prevents ice from instantly melting and diluting the tea.
- 4
Slice lemon into thin rounds. Squeeze half of the lemon juice into the cooled tea.
2 minutes
Add lemon juice gradually and taste to adjust sourness.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This drink is a healthy choice due to its low-calorie content and use of natural ingredients like green tea and lemon. Green tea is known for its metabolism-boosting properties, while lemon aids digestion and detoxification. Replacing refined sugar with honey or stevia further enhances its health profile. The beverage is refreshing, hydrating, and contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it perfect for those seeking nutritious alternatives to sugary drinks.
Ice Lemon Green Tea is rich in antioxidants from green tea, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Lemons add a boost of vitamin C, supporting the immune system and skin health. Pandan and lemongrass are traditional Malaysian ingredients known for their digestive benefits and aromatic compounds. This beverage is low in calories, contains no saturated fat, and is naturally hydrating. Using honey or stevia as sweeteners helps keep the glycemic index low, making it suitable for people monitoring their blood sugar.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use filtered water for clearer, cleaner-tasting tea.
- 💡Tip 2: Adjust steeping time to suit your preferred tea strength.
- 💡Tip 3: Always add sweeteners after the tea has cooled to preserve honey’s nutrients.
Storage & Serving
Store the brewed tea mixture (without ice and lemon slices) in a sealed jug in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add ice and fresh lemon just before serving to maintain optimal flavor and freshness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 40.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.5 g |
| Total Fat | 0.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 6.3 g |
| Iron | 0.1 mg |
| Calcium | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium | 2.0 mg |
| Potassium | 16.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 0.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 1.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 1.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0 µg |
| Folate | 1.0 µg |
