Hong Kong iced lemon tea takes 15 minutes plus cooling time: boil ½ litre of filtered water, stir in 5 tbsp of honey and 2-3 Lipton Yellow Label tea bags, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and let it cool, then pour it over ice with thin slices of the second lemon. A fresher homemade copycat of the famous Vita Lemon Tea.
Hong Kong lemon tea is a beloved concoction that has been quenching the thirst of locals and visitors alike for generations.
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Why Make This Hong Kong Iced Lemon Tea Recipe?
Tired of the usual store-bought lemonade or iced tea concentrates? Experience the unmatched delight of blending freshly squeezed lemons with robust, freshly brewed dark tea, all mingling in a refreshing mix of ice and honey. This incredibly simple recipe takes mere minutes to prepare, inviting you to kick back, put your feet up, and relish the exceptional flavors with ease!
- Refreshing Respite on Warm Days. One of the primary reasons to indulge in this recipe is the unparalleled refreshment it provides, especially on warm days. The iced infusion of tea and lemon offers a cool respite, and nothing beats the taste of organic honey and fresh squeezed lemons!
- No Preservatives. It has no preservatives or artificial flavoring. And can we say ‘amen’ to less consumption of plastic wastes?
- Easy to Prepare at Home. Skip the lines at the cafes and bring the magic of Hong Kong Iced Lemon Tea into your own kitchen. This recipe is easy to follow, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste of this iconic beverage in the comfort of your home.
Hong Kong Lemon Tea Ingredients
Black Tea
For the classical taste, we need to use the Lipton Yellow Label Tea. There’s no other exceptions – you just have to use it. All Hong Kong cha chaan tengs use it in their Iced Lemon Tea. And if you’re wondering what kind of tea it is, it’s orange pekoe tea.
Lemon
We need fresh lemon for the drink and garnish. Like all Hong Kong Cafe, we need to thinly cut all the lemons into pieces as garnish and a big spoon or large sturdy straw to poke at it.
Honey
Most Hong Kong cafe would not serve honey as their sweetener and usually use sugar or another kind of fructose. Just to give it that extra spa like flavor, we’re going to use honey. Any honey works.
As you take a sip of your homemade Hong Kong Lemonade, you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re experiencing a piece of Hong Kong’s culture and heritage.
Share this refreshing recipe with friends and family, and let the timeless flavors of this iconic beverage bring a taste of Hong Kong to your doorstep. Cheers to the art of crafting the perfect Hong Kong Iced Lemon Tea!
Hong Kong Iced Tea vs Milk Tea
Both are cha chaan teng classics made with strong black tea, but they are different drinks. Hong Kong milk tea is mixed with evaporated or condensed milk. Hong Kong iced lemon tea has no milk: it is black tea, fresh lemon, a sweetener and ice.
Hong Kong Lemon Tea FAQ
What tea is used in Hong Kong lemon tea?
Lipton Yellow Label, an orange pekoe black tea. This recipe uses 2-3 tea bags for ½ litre of water.
Why is it served with a spoon or a straw?
To poke at the thin lemon slices in the glass, the way Hong Kong cafes serve it. Add ¼ of the lemon slices to each glass, top it with the tea and serve immediately.
Hong Kong Iced Lemon Tea
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring ½ liter of filtered water to a boil.
- In your glass jar, add honey and the Lipton's Yellow Label Tea. Add hot water and stir until honey is completely dissolved into the water.
- Squeeze 1 lemon's juice into the jar (reserve the other lemon for garnish). Set aside to cool into room temperature.
- Top a large glass with ice. Slice one lemon into thin slices and only add ¼ of the lemon slices to each glass. Top each glass with the lemon tea. Place a tall straw or a spoon. Serve immediately.
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