11.15.13 Spiced Lemon Ginger Tea
It’s been a cold week here in Madison. In more ways than one. Cold weather, including the first snow that actually stuck on the ground (not for long, luckily) and the first day that the temperature didn’t make it above freezing. And, if that wasn’t enough cold, I’ve been fighting off a cold all week myself. I suppose it’s that time of year.
Whether you have a cold, or this onset of wintery weather is just making you cold, one thing that is almost always guaranteed to help is a hot cup of tea. Or in my case, a large quart sized mason jar full of tea. Yes, I’m one of those people who drink tea in massive quantities, especially around this time of year. Of course, when I’m feeling especially cold, or under the weather, not just any tea will do. Which is why I started making this drink. Green tea, lemon, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, honey - if a cup of tea and a hot toddy got together, this would be the result. And what a delicious result it is.
I definitely recommend making a giant batch of this stuff. If you’re like me, you’ll drink it all pretty quickly anyways, but regardless, it’s easy to store in the fridge and reheat whenever you feel a craving for a delicious hot beverage. And of course, adding in a little brandy or whiskey isn’t a bad idea. In fact it’s quite tasty. Or better yet some of Old Sugar Distillery’s Honey Liqueur. I’m feeling warmer already just thinking about it.
Spiced Lemon Ginger Tea
makes 4 cups
- 1 lemon, cut into quarters
- 2 Tbsp candied ginger, roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp honey (or more to taste)
- 4 green tea bags or 4 tsp loose green tea
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- 4 cups boiling water
- brandy, whiskey, or honey liqueur (optional)
1. Squeeze juice from lemon quarters into a bowl or large (4 cup) measuring cup. Add the juiced lemon quarters to the bowl as well, along with the ginger, honey, tea, cloves, and cinnamon. Pour water over and stir to mix. Let sit for 5-10 minutes for ingredients to steep.
2. Using a fine-meshed sieve or strainer, strain mixture into another container. Discard solids. Pour into a mug, add brandy, whiskey, or honey liqueur if desired and enjoy immediately. Extra tea can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated as needed.
