Absolutely perfect for summer, this blissful blend of ginger, lemongrass, and green tea refreshes and invigorates.
Yield: 6
Ingredients
8cupswater
1stalk lemongrass
1pieceof gingerabout the size of two thumbs (or one freakishly large thumb)
1/3cupsugaror 1/4 cup agave nectar, or sugar substitute to taste - just add to taste after it's chilled
10individual bags green tea or 3 heaping tablespoons loose green tea
Mint for garnish
Instructions
Cut lemongrass into two-inch pieces, and crush with the flat side of a knife, or just cut each piece lengthwise a few more times like I did.
Peel ginger and cut into thin slices.
In a large saucepan over high heat, bring the water, lemongrass, ginger, and sugar to a boil.
Remove saucepan from the heat, and add the green tea (if you're adding the loose tea, put it in something so you can get it out right after it's steeped, while leaving the ginger and lemongrass in). Steep for about a minute, or until it's the right color/flavor for your tastes.
Remove the tea bags/leaves, then let sit for about 30 minutes.
Pour the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.