Kid-Friendly & Delicious – Iced Raspberry Lime Green Tea Recipe

I must admit that I just can’t get enough of this Iced Raspberry Lime Green Tea!

The combination of tangy raspberries and zesty lime with the smooth, earthy notes of green tea creates a drink that’s incredibly refreshing and full of flavor. It’s the kind of drink that instantly lifts your spirits and cools you down on a hot day.

This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, energizing, and thirst-quenching drink that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days when you want a refreshing drink in minutes.
• Ideal for Brunch: This drink is a great non-alcoholic option for brunch, pairing beautifully with dishes like quiche, fresh salads, or avocado toast, adding a refreshing and sophisticated touch to the meal. Or why not add a splash of sparkling wine to make it the perfect brunch cocktail!
• Kid-Friendly Fun: This drink is a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen, from squeezing the lime to adding the raspberries, making it a family-friendly activity that results in a delicious treat.
• Great for Summer BBQs: The bright and refreshing flavors of raspberry and lime make this iced tea an ideal companion for grilled foods at summer barbecues, balancing the smoky flavors with its tangy, sweet notes.
• Seasonal Adaptability: Use fresh raspberries during the summer for peak flavor, or opt for frozen raspberries in the off-season for a refreshing drink year-round.

Ingredients

When making Iced Raspberry Lime Green Tea, the quality of your ingredients plays a vital role in the final flavor.

Starting with the green tea, it’s important to choose a high-quality variety, such as Japanese Sencha, or another light, flavorful green tea like the Chinese Monkey Chief Tea. The delicate, slightly grassy notes of good green tea form the perfect base for the bright, fruity flavors of this drink. Avoid using overly strong or bitter green teas, as they might overpower the other ingredients.

Recommended products:

• Harney & Sons Japanese Sencha Green Tea Bags
• Valley of Tea Monkey Chief Tea Loose Leaf

Fresh or frozen raspberries are a key component in this recipe, bringing natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the iced tea. If using fresh raspberries, ensure they are ripe and plump, as this will yield the best flavor. Frozen raspberries are a convenient alternative, especially when fresh berries are out of season, and they work just as well to infuse the tea with their bright, tart notes.

The limes used in this recipe should be fresh and juicy, as both the juice and zest are essential for delivering that zesty, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of the raspberries. The zest contains oils that add an extra layer of depth to the drink, so it’s important to use organic limes if possible, to avoid any pesticide residue. The combination of lime juice and zest provides a refreshing sharpness that enhances the green tea’s natural flavor.

For sweetening the tea, honey or sugar can be used based on your preference. Honey adds a floral sweetness that complements the raspberries and lime, while sugar offers a more neutral sweet taste. It’s important to add the sweetener while the tea is still warm to ensure it dissolves completely, creating a smooth, well-balanced flavor throughout the drink.

Ingredients for making 4 servings of Iced Raspberry Lime Green Tea:

• 4 cups water
• 4 green tea bags or 4 tsp loose leaf green tea
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• Juice of 2 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves and lime slices for garnish (optional)

How to Make Iced Raspberry Lime Green Tea

Instructions for making 4 servings of Iced Raspberry Lime Green Tea:

1. Boil the Water:
   • Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
2. Brew the Green Tea:
   • Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the lime zest. Let it infuse for about 2 minutes, and then add the green tea. Let the tea steep for 3 minutes.
   • Remove the tea bags, or strain the loose leaf tea, and strain the lime zest. Then let the brewed tea cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Raspberries and Lime:
   • While the tea is cooling, combine the raspberries and lime juice in a small bowl. Gently mash the raspberries with a fork to release their juices.
4. Sweeten the Tea:
   • Stir in the honey or sugar into the warm tea until it’s fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
5. Combine and Chill:
   • Once the tea is cool, add the raspberry-lime mixture to the tea and stir well to combine.
   • Refrigerate the tea until it is thoroughly chilled.
6. Serve:
   • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Raspberry Lime Green Tea over the ice.
   • Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime slices if desired.
7. Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Iced Raspberry Lime Green Tea!

Tips & Variations

• Sparkling Wine Addition: For a festive twist, top off the iced tea with a splash of sparkling wine, turning it into a refreshing, bubbly cocktail perfect for celebrations and special gatherings.
• Lemongrass Infusion: Steep a stalk of fresh lemongrass with the green tea for a citrusy, aromatic flavor that complements the lime and adds an exotic touch to the drink.
• Almond Milk Swirl: Add a splash of almond milk to the tea for a creamy texture and a hint of nutty flavor that creates an interesting twist on the traditional iced tea.
• Chili-Lime Twist: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili powder or a few slices of fresh chili to the tea while it steeps, creating a bold contrast with the sweetness of the raspberries.
• Charred Lime Garnish: Lightly char lime slices on the grill before adding them as a garnish, introducing a smoky, caramelized flavor that contrasts with the bright, fresh elements of the tea.
• Raspberry-Lime Popsicles: Freeze the prepared iced tea into popsicle molds for a fun, refreshing summer treat for kids.