As summer is fully upon us and temperatures are shooting up, it’s time for cool-me-down drinks – bring on the hot-weather favorites — like this twist on classic homemade ice tea, a healthy(her) version.

Kick your shoes off and cool down with a simple and refreshing glass of iced green tea flavoured with lemon, ginger, mint, and honey.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 liters water
• 25-35 grams of ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium size lemon, divided
• 1/2 teacup of fresh mint leaves (keep some aside for serving)
• 3-5 tablespoons of honey
• 3-5 green tea bags (depends on how strong you like your tea)

Method:

In a medium-sized pot, bring the water and ginger slices to a boil. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and add the tea bags (if they have labels, take these off first). Cover the pot and leave for about 15 minutes, or more if you like your tea stronger.  Careful not too leave the teabags too long, so your tea doesn’t become bitter!

In mean time, divide the lemon and juice 1 half, and rinse your mint leaves.  I have a plant on the balcony – did you know it can keep mosquitos away too?

Remove the ginger slices and teabags from the freshly brewed tea. Mix in the honey and juice from half of the lemon into the tea, and taste for flavour. Add the fresh mint leaves and leave for another 15 to 20 min. Remove the mint leaves and let the tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Serve ice cold with some fresh mint leaves, ice cubes and a slice of lemon – and enjoy!