Herbal Green Tea

A soothing, caffeine-light infusion of green tea leaves with dried chamomile, finished with a slice of fresh lemon for a gentle, calming drink that pairs well with any light meal.

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Ingredients

• 2 tsp loose green tea leaves (or 2 green tea bags)
• 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers
• 500 ml filtered water
• 2 thin slices fresh lemon
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

Heat the Water

1. Bring the 500 ml water to a near boil, then let it cool for 1 minute to reach about 80°C. This prevents the green tea from turning bitter.

Steep the Tea

1. Place the green tea leaves and dried chamomile into a teapot or infuser.
2. Pour the hot water over the leaves and add the cinnamon stick if using.
3. Steep for 3 minutes, until the liquid turns a pale golden-green and smells fragrant.

Finish and Serve

1. Strain into two cups, removing all leaves to avoid bitterness.
2. Add a lemon slice to each cup and serve immediately.

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Notes

Variations

• Mint Green Tea: Add a few dried mint leaves alongside the chamomile for a refreshing finish.
• Ginger Green Tea: Drop in two thin slices of fresh ginger while steeping for a warming note.
• Berry Green Tea: Add a small handful of dried hibiscus or rosehip for a fruity, tart twist.
• Vanilla Green Tea: Split a tiny piece of vanilla pod into the pot for a naturally sweet aroma.
• Iced Herbal Green Tea: Double the leaves, steep, then cool and pour over ice with extra lemon for a summer drink.

Troubleshooting

• Bitter taste: Water was too hot or steeped too long; reduce steeping to 2 minutes and cool water first.
• Too weak: Increase tea leaves slightly or steep an extra 30 seconds.
• Cloudy appearance: Normal when lemon is added to warm tea; does not affect flavor.
• Chamomile overpowering: Reduce to half a teaspoon if the floral note feels too strong.
• Astringency: Ensure you use high-quality loose leaves rather than fannings from tea bags.