This refreshing green tea is a perfect pick-me-up! With a hint of sweetness and a bright flavor, it’s just like the one you enjoy at Panera Bread.
Making it at home is easy! I love serving it over ice with a slice of lemon, especially on warm days. It’s like a little sip of sunshine! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tea: Use high-quality green tea bags or loose leaf for the best flavor. If you prefer, matcha can be an exciting substitute for a vibrant green color and extra health benefits!
Honey: While honey adds a wonderful sweetness, feel free to use agave syrup, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute to match your taste or dietary needs.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal for brightness. If lemons aren’t available, lime juice or even a splash of orange juice can work well.
Dried Hibiscus Petals or Rose Petals: For an elegant touch, these are great for adding flavor and color. If you don’t have them, simply skip this step or use a flavored tea instead.
How Do You Steep Green Tea Perfectly?
Getting the steep right is key to a delicious green tea! It’s all about timing. Over-steeping can lead to a bitter taste. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with boiling water, then let it sit for about 30 seconds to cool slightly (ideal temp is around 175°F or 80°C).
- Steep your tea bags or loose tea for only 3-5 minutes. Set a timer to avoid forgetting!
- After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain the leaves to stop the brewing process.
It’s that simple! Enjoy a perfectly brewed cup that’s refreshing in every sip.
How to Make Panera Bread Copy Cat Green Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 4 green tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose leaf green tea)
- 1/4 cup honey or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon dried hibiscus petals or rose petals for added flavor (garnish)
- Optional: Fresh kiwi seeds or small fruit bits for texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing green tea recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus time to cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get this delicious drink ready.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Water:
Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a kettle or pot. Bring it to a rolling boil to ensure it’s hot enough for steeping the tea.
2. Steep the Tea:
Once the water is boiling, take it off the heat. Add the green tea bags or loose leaf tea to the hot water and let it steep for about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to steep too long, as this can make the tea taste bitter.
3. Remove the Tea:
After steeping, take out the tea bags or strain the leaves from the tea. This will leave you with a smooth base for your drink.
4. Sweeten the Tea:
While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey or your sweetener of choice. Make sure to mix it well so it dissolves completely.
5. Add Lemon Juice:
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and give it a good stir. This adds a lovely tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
6. Cool the Tea:
Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill it for at least 1 hour to enjoy it cold.
7. Serve over Ice:
When you’re ready to enjoy your green tea, fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the top.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
To finish it off, garnish with a thin slice of lemon. If you like, sprinkle a bit of dried hibiscus or rose petals for a pop of color and flavor. You can also add some fresh kiwi seeds or small fruit bits for fun texture!
9. Serve Immediately:
Your refreshing Panera Bread Copy Cat Green Tea is now ready to be enjoyed! Sip it slowly and savor every moment.
With these simple steps, you can make a delicious, iced green tea that’s sure to impress—just like the one from Panera!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Green Tea?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste. Start with 1/4 cup of honey and taste the tea after mixing it in. If it’s not sweet enough, add more honey or your preferred sweetener gradually until it reaches your desired level.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
No problem! You can substitute honey with agave syrup, maple syrup, or even sugar. Just remember that different sweeteners may dissolve differently, so make sure to stir well until fully integrated.
Can I Make This Tea Caffeine-Free?
Yes! You can use caffeine-free herbal tea instead of green tea if you want a caffeine-free version. Look for herbal teas with citrus or fruity notes to mimic the flavors in the original recipe.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Green Tea?
Leftover green tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, and feel free to add fresh ice or a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up again!