Vegan Green Tea Citrus Lemonade
This drink is the kind of thing you make once and immediately want to keep on rotation all summer long. Freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice give it a bright, layered citrus punch that bottled lemonade simply cannot compete with, while the steeped green tea adds a subtle, earthy depth that makes the whole thing feel a little more grown-up. Maple syrup steps in as the sweetener here, keeping every sip completely plant-based without sacrificing any of that smooth, rounded sweetness. The technique of steeping the tea bags without squeezing them is a small but smart move — it keeps the flavor clean and mellow rather than bitter. Everything comes together in one pitcher, which means minimal cleanup and maximum payoff. Poured over ice and finished with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice, it looks genuinely beautiful without any extra effort. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or just treating yourself on a warm afternoon, this is the refreshing, feel-good glass you'll want in hand.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the green tea base
- 3 cups water
- 3 green tea bags
- ¼ cup maple syrup
For the citrus blend
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 cup cold water
For serving
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 4 lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- 4 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan, then remove from the heat. Add the green tea bags and steep for 3 minutes, until the tea is a clear, pale gold-green color. Remove and discard the tea bags — do not squeeze them, as this releases bitter tannins.
- 2
Stir the maple syrup into the hot tea until fully dissolved. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes, then refrigerate until cold, at least 10 minutes.
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