Lemon Ginger Iced Tea

(oops, I had some before taking this photo)

This doesn't happen often, but in the last few months I became addicted to Tazo's Lemon Ginger Iced Tea. It is seriously refreshing, especially unique with the spiciness of fresh ginger juice. It seems that other people share my same taste, since this particular flavor is always the first one to go once they re-stock. Recently, as summer is creeping in, I've been looking again and again and they don't seem to stock it anymore (or I am just too late). So, here is my homemade solution and it is easy and just as delicious, if not better, since I can make it not as sweet. This recipe for my own daily intake, which I keep in a VOSS glass bottle, but if you are making a pitcher, then triple the recipe.

1 sachet tea, steeped for 5 minutes in 2 cups (480ml) just-boiled water

1 lemon, juiced, keep all the pulpy bits

2-inch (5cm) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and pressed through a garlic press, keep all the little pieces of ginger that comes out too. 

Maple syrup or turbinado sugar, to taste (optional), dissolved in the hot tea. 

Pretty easy stuff! I use regular English tea bags, but with the plethora of tea flavors available, anything goes! You can make this and drink right away with plenty of ice, or, save it in the fridge to chill and let the flavors intensify for a few hours or more. Shake it up first and use less ice, so it's not so diluted. If lemon and ginger aren't to your taste, try with fresh lime and add freshly chopped mint leaves just before serving, for a mojito-style ice tea... So refreshing!