BHA & BHT Free Green Tea with Honey and Lemon
Warm, bright, and quietly soothing, this simple cup delivers everything you want from a classic green tea without a single synthetic additive in sight. BHA and BHT are common preservatives found in packaged teas, flavored honey blends, and bottled lemon products, so making this from scratch with raw honey and fresh lemon juice is the cleanest route possible. The key to a smooth, non-bitter brew is pulling the water just short of a full boil — that 175–185°F sweet spot coaxes out the tea's delicate, grassy notes without turning it harsh. Raw honey dissolves beautifully into the warm liquid and adds a gentle floral sweetness that no processed syrup can match. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the whole cup and adds a little vitamin C boost while keeping everything completely whole-ingredient. It's the kind of drink that feels like a small act of self-care, whether you're starting your morning or winding down in the evening.
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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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