Panera Passion Papaya Green Tea – Copycat Recipe

Longing for an ice-cold glass of Panera’s Passion Papaya Green Tea on a warm summer day?

You’re in luck because you can easily make it at home with this simple copycat recipe!

While the original version of Panera’s Green Tea is fruity, refreshing, and fun, it’s also loaded with added sugars. So, I set out to create a healthier version you can enjoy guilt-free!

So why do I love this drink so much?

The blend of passionfruit green tea offers a soothing yet invigorating base, while the papaya nectar brings a burst of tropical sweetness that’s perfectly balanced with a touch of lemon’s natural tang. The honey adds a smooth, comforting sweetness that ties it all together, creating a drink that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Making Panera’s Passion Papaya Green Tea at home not only allows you to enjoy a café-quality drink anytime but also lets you customize it to your liking. If you’re seeking a refreshing alternative to ordinary iced teas, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: This recipe offers a refreshing version of Panera’s tea with reduced sugar, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this café favorite in the comfort of your own home.
• Cost-Effective: Skip the trip to the café and save money by making this delicious iced tea at home, whenever you crave it.
• No Artificial Ingredients: By making this tea at home, you control the ingredients, ensuring a natural and wholesome beverage.

Ingredients

When selecting the ingredients for this recipe, it’s important to consider quality and freshness to capture the vibrant flavors that make this iced tea special.

Start with Passionfruit Green Tea bags, which provide the essential base flavor. Look for a brand that uses high-quality green tea leaves and real passionfruit essence to ensure a robust and authentic taste.

Recommended product: Brew La La Organic Green Tea – Passionfruit Flavor

For the sweetener, honey is chosen not only for its natural sweetness but also for its ability to blend smoothly into the warm tea, enhancing the drink with a subtle floral note. Opt for raw and organic honey if possible, as it retains more of its natural nutrients and flavor.

Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty counterbalance to the sweetness of the papaya nectar and honey. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferable, as it offers a more vibrant and true citrus flavor compared to bottled alternatives, which can sometimes taste muted or overly acidic.

Papaya nectar is the star ingredient that gives this iced tea its tropical flair. It’s important to choose a high-quality nectar, preferably one with no added sugars or artificial ingredients, to keep the drink tasting fresh and natural. If you can’t find papaya nectar, you can blend fresh papaya and strain it to create your own.

Ingredients for making 4 servings of Panera Passion Papaya Green Tea:

• 4 Passionfruit Green Tea bags
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/3 cup honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup papaya nectar
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Ice cubes

How to Make Panera Passion Papaya Iced Green Tea

Instructions for making 4 servings of Panera Passion Papaya Green Tea:

1. Brew the Tea: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, let the water cool down for about one minute, and add the 4 Passionfruit Green Tea bags. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Sweeten the Tea: Remove the tea bags and stir in the honey while the tea is still warm. Mix until the honey is completely dissolved.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Papaya Nectar: Once the tea has cooled slightly, add the lemon juice and papaya nectar. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the Tea: Place the tea in the refrigerator to cool for at least 30 minutes or until it’s nice and cold.
5. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
6. Enjoy: Your homemade Panera-inspired Passion Papaya Iced Green Tea is ready to enjoy!

Additional Tips & Variations

If you want to customize this recipe to your liking, here are a few ideas:

• Coconut Flavor: Add a splash of coconut water or coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist that complements the papaya and passionfruit flavors.
• Fresh Fruit Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding slices of fresh fruit like passionfruit, papaya, lemon, or even strawberries to the glass before serving.
• Honey Substitute: Try using agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetener that adds its own unique flavor notes.
• Ginger Zing: Grate fresh ginger into the tea as it steeps to add a spicy, invigorating kick that pairs well with the fruity flavors.