How to Make Homemade Lemon Tea: Fresh Citrus Recipe

This soothing caffeine-free lemon tea is made with just three simple ingredients. Enjoy a warm cup whenever you want a comforting, bright drink that’s easy to prepare at home.

Hot Lemon Tea

Hot lemon tea is a straightforward, warming beverage that comes together in minutes. Though called a tea, it contains no tea leaves and is naturally caffeine-free. The flavor comes from freshly squeezed lemon balanced with honey and hot water.

Note from Jee

I tested this recipe several times to find the right balance of honey and lemon so the drink isn’t too tart, too weak, or overly sweet. Heating the water just to a simmer lets you drink the tea right away without waiting for it to cool.

Recipe Summary

• Lemon tea is a three-ingredient hot drink made with hot water, fresh lemon juice, and honey.
• Fresh lemon juice delivers the cleanest, brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
• This recipe provides an easy ratio of lemon to honey for a pleasantly tart-yet-sweet cup.

Ingredient Notes

• Lemon juice: Use about 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (roughly two-thirds of a medium lemon). Fresh juice gives a brighter taste than bottled versions.
• Honey: Any honey will work; use a milder honey if you prefer a subtler sweetness.
• Water: Hot, filtered water yields the best flavor. Heat to just under a rolling boil so the drink can be enjoyed immediately.
• Lemon slices (optional): Thin slices make a pretty garnish and add a hint of peel aroma.

Full ingredient amounts and clear instructions follow in the recipe section below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Place the lemon juice in a mug, then pour in 1 3/4 cups of hot water.

Step 2: Stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. Garnish with lemon slices if you like.

Expert Tips

• Adjust sweetness to your preference. Reducing honey makes the drink more tart; increasing it softens acidity and adds body.
• If you prefer plant-based sweeteners, maple syrup or date syrup can be substituted for honey.
• To make squeezing lemons easier and avoid seeds, use a citrus juicer or reamer. It speeds up prep and captures most of the pulp.
• Heat water quickly in an electric kettle or on the stove. Aim for water just shy of boiling so the cup is immediately drinkable.
• For a chilled version, let the tea cool, add ice, and taste for sweetness before serving.

Related

• Peppermint Tea
• Rooibos Tea
• Chamomile Tea
• Herbal Medicinal Tea
• Lemon Syrup
• Chamomile Iced Tea

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Lemon Tea

By: Jee Choe, Certified Tea Sommelier

This caffeine-free lemon tea is made with just three ingredients and provides a comforting, warm cup any time you need a gentle pick-me-up.

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Yield: 1 serving (16 ounces)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ⅔ medium lemon)
• 1 ¾ cups hot water
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 slices lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Put the lemon juice in a mug. Pour in 1 ¾ cups of hot water (heat water to just under boiling).
2. Stir in the honey until dissolved. Taste and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Notes

• The recipe uses about two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, which is roughly two-thirds of a medium lemon. Fresh juice tastes best but bottled juice can be used.
• Use a citrus juicer or hand reamer to remove seeds quickly and capture pulp.
• Adjust honey to taste. For a lighter option, reduce the honey or use a natural liquid sweetener alternative.

Nutrition

Calories: 202

Carbohydrates: 55 g

Protein: 0.4 g

Fat: 0.1 g

Sodium: 24 mg

Potassium: 83 mg

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 53 g

Vitamin C: 19 mg

Calcium: 22 mg

Iron: 0.4 mg

Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guideline only.