| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 70 | 0g | 0g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 0.2g | 0.1g | 0.01g |
There are few pleasures on this planet that can compete with a warm, comforting beverage, and my Lemon Ironbark Tea recipe is one of my personal favorites. While I’m known for my love for all things related to New England seafood, I also adore the refreshing kick of a tangy, honey-sweetened tea. Drawing from the vibrant citrus offerings of my own backyard, this fruity tea captures a sense of seclusion and tranquility akin to an evening on the Maine coastline.
What sets this tea apart is the repetition of citrus notes. Lemon, clearly a proud titan of flavor in this recipe, is tripled down on with fresh juice, optional zest, and garnishing slices. However, what truly adds that unique touch is the dried Lemon Ironbark leaves. If you haven’t heard of it before, Ironbark is a kind of eucalyptus tree that is native to Australia. Its leaves offer a subtle yet distinct lemony flavor to the tea that is truly delightful.
The Magic of Ironbark
Another reason why I absolutely adore this Lemon Ironbark tea recipe is because of the notable health benefits. Ironbark leaves are known to be packed with antioxidants, which lends a wellness boost to this already revitalizing tea. The natural sweeteners in this recipe, like honey, perfectly balance the zesty lemon, making it a delicious drink to enjoy any time of the day. Plus, we can’t ignore the impressive vitamin C content from the lemon which aids in boosting our immune system!
A Citrus Symphony
The beauty of this Lemon Ironbark Tea lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It’s similar to traditional lemon tea or even hot lemon water. The intricate layers of citrus flavors are a delightful twist that add depth to this heart-warming beverage. It works well with light dishes, like a spinach and strawberry salad or a simple grilled shrimp dish. Its lemony goodness also makes it an excellent palate cleanser between courses, especially with richer dishes that feature my beloved New England seafood.
So, next time you’re seeking a touch of tranquility, remember my Lemon Ironbark Tea recipe. It’s the perfect way to transport yourself to a peaceful, breezy evening on the Maine coastline, right from the comfort of your own home.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons of honey or sweetener of choice
- 2 tablespoons of dried Lemon Ironbark leaves
- 6 lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by bringing the 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
Step Two
Once the water is boiling, add 2 tablespoons of dried Lemon Ironbark leaves. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Three
After letting the leaves simmer, strain the liquid into a jug or large container to remove the leaves and any small particles.
Step Four
Add 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and 6 tablespoons of honey or your preferred sweetener to the strained liquid. Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
Step Five
Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the mixture for an extra lemony kick.
Step Six
Allow the tea to cool a bit before serving or put it in the fridge to serve it chilled. Garnish each cup with a lemon slice before serving for an aesthetic touch and additional zesty flavour.
Step Seven
Enjoy your homemade Lemon Ironbark Tea! You can consume it warm or cold depending on your preference.
