With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time for some tall, frosty glasses of lemonade. It’s such a treat to see the kids in my neighborhood set up lemonade stands. The only problem is that they don’t pop up often enough! 
This Sencha Green Tea Lemonade is kind of like an Arnold Palmer, except that the proportions aren’t quite 50/50–there’s definitely a stronger lemon component. Swapping out black tea for green gives the drink a brighter, sharper taste and also lighter body.
Sencha adds a sweet and grassy essence to this tart drink. Honey’s syrupy thickness makes it an ideal sweetener here–just make sure to taste as you go so that you don’t end up adding too much.
If you want a richer lemonade, try leaving the pulp in. Personally, I prefer straining the lemon juice for a clear and smooth beverage.
Let Sencha Lemonade come to your rescue this summer when you feel worn out by the heat. A few gulps of this sunny sip and you’ll come back to life!
Sencha Lemonade
Makes 1 large pitcher.
Ingredients:
2 cups lemon juice
5 Sencha tea bags (I used Yamamotoyama’s Organic Sencha)
2 cups water @ 160 degrees F
4 cups cold water
1/2 cup honey, or to taste
Equipment:
liquid measuring cup
large pitcher
Directions:
1. Steep the tea for 3-4 minutes in the hot water. Add the honey and stir to dissolve.
2. Mix in the lemon juice and another 2 cups of water together with the tea. If you’d like, add more honey to taste.
3. Serve chilled or over ice.
