Lemon Blossom Green Tea Soda

Ingredients

• 2 Lemons (sliced; Meyer lemons recommended)
• Water (small amount for freezing the lemon rings)
• Spearmint (optional, for freezing with lemons)
• Cold-brew green tea (made from deep-steamed green tea leaves (fukamushi))
• Sparkling water (highly carbonated)
• Honey (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Slice the lemons into thin rounds. Arrange the lemon slices in a donut-shaped silicone mold so they overlap like flower petals.

2. 2

   Add a few spearmint leaves to the mold if desired for extra fragrance and color.

3. 3

   Pour a small amount of water into the mold, filling it between one-third to halfway up the lemon slices. Do not overfill to avoid spilling when moving to the freezer.

4. 4

   Cover the mold loosely with plastic wrap to prevent frost from forming. Place in the freezer for approximately 2 hours until solid.

5. 5

   Once frozen, carefully remove the lemon blossom rings from the silicone mold.

6. 6

   Prepare a glass by filling it halfway (50%) with cold-brew green tea and the other half (50%) with sparkling water.

7. 7

   Place the frozen lemon blossom ring into the glass.

8. 8

   Drizzle honey over the top to your preferred sweetness level and serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute lemons with other fruits like oranges, mandarins, or kiwi. The tea base can also be swapped for Japanese black tea (wakoucha). The frozen lemon rings can be stored in the freezer for later use.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• green tea
• lemonade
• summer
• refreshing
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• no-cook