Cool off with this refreshing Iced Lemon & Ginger Lemonade Tea recipe

It’s iced tea season, and here are our top recipes for staying cool this summer…

© Recipe and Images Birchall

When the next heatwave hits, many Britons will swap their usual hot drinks for cold cans and sugary soft drinks, but tea experts at Birchall believe there's a better option. Homemade iced tea is refreshing, easy to make and completely customisable, offering a flavour packed alternative to shop bought soft drinks. From fruity black teas to cooling mint and green tea blends, these simple recipes are designed to help you stay refreshed all summer long....

Iced Lemon & Ginger Lemonade Tea with Birchall Lemongrass & Ginger

Ingredients:

4 Birchall lemongrass & ginger tea bags

1 litre freshly boiled water

2 tbsp stem ginger syrup (optional, to taste)

150–200ml fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for intensity)

500ml cold water or soda water (for topping up)

Ice

Garnish options: lemon slices, fresh ginger rounds, mint

Method:

1. Brew the tea
   Add the lemon & ginger tea bags to 1 litre of just-boiled water. Let steep for 6–8 minutes for full flavour. Remove bags and let it cool slightly.

2. Sweeten & infuse
   While warm, stir in your stem ginger syrup. Add lemon zest here if using - it adds a nice citrus oil depth. Let cool to room temp.

3. Add lemon juice
   Once cooled, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice - this turns it into a proper lemonade-style drink.

4. Chill & dilute
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Before serving, dilute with 500ml cold still or sparkling water (adjust to taste depending on how punchy you like it).

5. Serve over ice
   Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish generously with lemon wheels, a few ginger slices, and fresh mint for a gorgeous, garden-party look.

Tasting Notes:

Bright, sharp and invigorating - this iced tea-lemonade fusion starts with citrus brightness, rounds out with ginger warmth, and finishes with a mellow sweetness. The lemon juice adds lemonade tang, paired well with sparkling water if using, while the brewed tea provides that comforting. It’s both hydrating and bold - the perfect grown-up alternative to sugary soft drinks.