Simple Middle Eastern Lemon Tea

Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 7 mins
Servings: 4 servings

Lemon tea is perfect for cold mornings or chilly nights. Of course, it's also a soothing drink if you've come down with a cold. The secret to getting the best flavor is in how the tea is made, from the temperature of the water to how long the tea is left to steep. This lemon tea recipe calls for tea bags instead of loose tea, making it convenient. There is no need to add lemon when serving this Middle Eastern tea since the lemon juice and zest are steeped along with the tea bags, infusing the drink with fragrant lemon flavor.

Any kind of plain tea can be used, but black tea is a traditional pairing with lemon; Ceylon black tea is popular in the Middle East, which is strong, rich, and bold tasting. If you choose to use green tea or another variety, you may want to shorten the steep time or add the tea bags after the lemon has steeped for a few minutes to avoid any bitterness. While this lemon tea is lovely on its own, you can add honey or sugar to taste if you like a bit of sweetness. This recipe makes enough for four servings but is easily divided.

Tea plays a significant role in the Middle East, from cultivation to consumption. Several regions are major producers of both black and green tea, and people enjoy tea at all times of day, from breakfast through after dinner. Guests are often welcomed with a glass of tea, and tea houses are common throughout the Middle East.

Simple Middle Eastern Lemon Tea

The Spruce / Elizabeth Briskin

"This classic tea is so soothing and just right all on its own, especially when you're not feeling well. It's also great as an afternoon pick-me-up with some cookies." —Diana Andrews

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Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Simple Middle Eastern Lemon Tea ingredients

    The Spruce / Elizabeth Briskin

  2. Add the tea bags, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a tea pot.

    Add the tea bags, lemon peel, and lemon juice to a tea pot

    The Spruce / Elizabeth Briskin

  3. Add the boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes.

    Add the boiling water to the tea

    The Spruce / Elizabeth Briskin

  4. Remove the tea bags and strain the mixture into a teacup or mug.

    Simple Middle Eastern Lemon Tea, Remove the tea bags and strain

    The Spruce / Elizabeth Briskin

  5. Serve hot and enjoy.

Recipe Variations

  • You can also use a loose leaf tea for this recipe. If using black tea, add 1 heaping tablespoon of loose leaf tea in place of the tea bags.
  • Try adding vanilla sugar for a lovely sweet flavor.
  • For a creamier drink, add milk or cream to taste.
  • For iced lemon tea, let the mixture cool and then chill in the fridge. Serve over ice.


Nutrition Facts (per serving)
1 Calories
0g Fat
0g Carbs
0g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 1
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 10mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 7%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 3mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)