Barley Free Green Tea with Honey and Lemon
Bright, clean, and quietly refreshing, this simple mug of green tea is the kind of drink that feels like a small act of self-care. The key to getting it right is temperature — heating the water to just below a boil coaxes out the tea's delicate, grassy sweetness without any of that harsh bitterness you sometimes get from a rushed cup. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a gentle citrus lift, while raw honey rounds everything out with just enough warmth. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, this recipe is naturally worry-free — every ingredient here is straightforwardly grain-free, with no hidden additives or processed syrups to second-guess. It comes together in just a few minutes and requires almost nothing in the way of equipment or effort. Serve it with a thin lemon slice floating on top for a little extra charm, or keep it simple and drink it straight from the mug while it's still steaming.
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Learn more →Ingredients
1 serving
- 1 green tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf green tea)
- 8 oz filtered water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about ½ lemon)
- 1 tsp raw honey
For serving
- 1 thin lemon slice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the water in a kettle or small saucepan until it reaches 175–185°F (79–85°C) — just below a full boil, with small bubbles beginning to rise from the bottom. Avoid a rolling boil, which can make green tea taste bitter.
- 2
Place the tea bag in a mug and pour the hot water over it. Steep for 2–3 minutes, until the tea is a clear pale gold-green.
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