Shellfish Free Green Tea with Lemon Balm and Ginger
This soothing cup is the kind of thing you'll want to make on slow mornings or whenever you need a gentle reset. Fresh lemon balm leaves bring a soft, citrusy herbal note that pairs beautifully with the warmth of sliced ginger, while the green tea ties it all together with a clean, pale-gold brew. The technique here matters — ginger is simmered first to coax out its warmth, then the water is allowed to cool slightly before the tea and lemon balm are added, which keeps the green tea from turning bitter. A drizzle of raw honey rounds everything out, and a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the whole mug. It's naturally free from anything oceanic or processed, made entirely from whole, plant-based ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you're winding down in the evening or easing into the morning, this is the kind of homemade drink that makes store-bought bottled teas feel like a distant memory.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 2 cups filtered water
- 2 tsp loose-leaf green tea (or 2 green tea bags)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon balm leaves, lightly packed
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1–2 tsp raw honey, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the filtered water and sliced ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the temperature drop for 1–2 minutes until it is no longer at a rolling boil — green tea steeps best around 170–180°F (77–82°C) to avoid bitterness.
- 2
Add the green tea and fresh lemon balm leaves to the hot ginger water. Steep for 3–5 minutes, until the tea is a clear pale gold and the lemon balm aroma is noticeable. Do not steep longer than 5 minutes, as the green tea will turn bitter.
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