Jade Citrus Mint Tea Recipe

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One of my all-time favorites that hits all the right notes is Jade Citrus Mint Tea. It’s a beautiful blend of bright citrus flavors, refreshing mint, and the gentle earthiness of green tea—a combination that feels as invigorating as it is calming.

How to make Jade Citrus Mint Tea

Jade Citrus Mint Tea is a refreshing, citrus-and-mint flavored green tea blend that’s enjoyed hot or iced for its bright, invigorating taste and soothing coolness.

Ingredients

For one serving of Jade Citrus Mint Tea, gather the following:

• Green Tea – 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf green tea
• Spearmint Leaves – 1-2 fresh leaves (or ½ teaspoon of dried spearmint)
• Lemongrass – 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass or 1 small stalk, lightly crushed
• Lemon Verbena (optional) – ½ teaspoon of dried lemon verbena
• Honey or Sweetener (optional) – To taste
• Water – 1 cup (8 ounces), heated to around 175°F (80°C)

Instructions to Make the Tea

1. Prepare the Water: Heat 1 cup (8 ounces) of water to about 175°F (80°C). If you’re unsure, heat the water until it’s hot but not boiling—green tea can develop a bitter taste if steeped in boiling water.
2. In your mug or teapot, add: 1 green tea bag, 1-2 fresh spearmint leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass, If you’re using lemon verbena, include that now as well.
3. Steep the Tea: Pour the hot water over the tea and herbs. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes—be careful not to steep for too long, as green tea can become overly bitter.
4. Strain (if using loose tea): If you used loose-leaf tea or dried herbs, strain the liquid into your mug using a tea strainer. If you used tea bags and whole mint leaves, simply remove them.
5. Add Sweetener (Optional): Stir in your desired amount of honey or sweetener while the tea is still warm. This step is optional, but a touch of sweetness can enhance the citrus and mint flavors beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Your tea is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot for a cozy experience, or let it cool, pour over ice, and garnish with extra mint leaves for a refreshing iced tea.

Bonus Tips for Perfect Jade Citrus Mint Tea

• Enhance the Citrus Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon juice (about ½ teaspoon) or add a thin slice of lemon to the tea while steeping. You can also include orange zest for added complexity.
• Make It Iced: To make the tea iced, brew it slightly stronger by either increasing the steep time or adding a little extra tea. Let it cool completely in the refrigerator, then pour over ice cubes.
• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the amount of mint, lemongrass, or green tea to suit your personal preference. Want it more minty? Add an extra leaf or two. Prefer a stronger citrus vibe? Add a pinch of lemon zest or lemon verbena.
• Try It as a Tea Latte: For a creamy twist, add steamed milk to the brewed tea. Almond milk or oat milk works especially well for a dairy-free option.
• Amplify the Aroma: Rub fresh spearmint leaves gently between your fingers before steeping to release more aroma and essential oils.

What to serve with

Jade Citrus Mint Tea is a versatile and flavorful beverage that pairs beautifully with a variety of snacks and meals.

• Lemon Bars: Buttery, tangy lemon bars are a divine pairing for the tea’s citrusy undertones.
• Lemon Scones: A classic tea-time option, lemon scones served with a bit of clotted cream are just right.
• Citrus Madeleines: The delicate, buttery texture of madeleines infused with a hint of orange or lemon zest pairs lightly with the tea.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Moist and nutty, these muffins bring out the zesty elements of the tea.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving a cup of soothing Jade Citrus Mint Tea but don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand, don’t worry—you can still achieve a delicious and refreshing blend using simple substitutes!

1. Green Tea Substitute

Green tea is the base of Jade Citrus Mint Tea, providing that key earthy and slightly grassy undertone. If you don’t have green tea, here are some great alternatives to achieve a similar light profile:

• White Tea: White tea has a subtle, delicate flavor that can easily replace green tea. It’s slightly milder but still pairs beautifully with the mint and citrus components.
• Oolong Tea: For a slightly nuttier and richer profile, oolong tea is another great option. It’s a bit stronger than green tea but still works harmoniously with the rest of the ingredients.
• Herbal Alternatives: If you want a caffeine-free option, consider using chamomile tea, rooibos tea, or lemongrass tea as a base. While these won’t taste exactly the same, they’ll still deliver a refreshing herbal experience.
• Decaffeinated Green Tea: If avoiding caffeine but wanting to stick close to the classic flavor, use decaffeinated green tea. Many grocery stores carry this option.

2. Spearmint Substitute

Spearmint is one of the standout flavors in Jade Citrus Mint Tea, lending its cooling, refreshing notes. If you’re out of spearmint, these alternatives work well:

• Peppermint Leaves: Peppermint is the closest substitute for spearmint. Its flavor is a bit stronger and more menthol-like, so use it sparingly if you don’t want it to overpower the other ingredients.
• Fresh Mint Blend: If you have other types of mint (apple mint or chocolate mint, for instance), feel free to mix and match them for a layered mint flavor.
• Dried Mint: If you don’t have fresh mint leaves, dried mint works too. Just use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
• Basil or Lemon Balm: Both fresh basil and lemon balm can mimic part of the herbal, minty flavor while adding their own unique twist. Lemon balm has a citrusy undertone that may enhance the tea’s overall profile.

3. Lemongrass Substitute

Lemongrass provides that zesty, lemony aroma and taste without the tartness of actual lemon. If you don’t have lemongrass, try these substitutes:

• Citrus Zests: Use lemon zest, lime zest, or even orange zest to replace lemongrass. These will add a fragrant and slightly stronger citrus note to the tea. Start with about ¼ teaspoon of zest per serving.
• Fresh Ginger: A slice of fresh ginger can mimic the sharp, citrusy notes of lemongrass while also adding a warm undertone.
• Lemon Balm or Lemon Verbena: Both of these herbs have bright, citrusy notes that work well as a substitute for lemongrass. You can use dried or fresh versions.
• Lemon Extract or Lemon Juice: A drop or two of lemon extract (or about ¼ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice) can provide a similar citrus boost in the absence of lemongrass.

4. Lemon Verbena Substitute (Optional Ingredient)

Lemon verbena is sometimes included in Jade Citrus Mint Tea blends to amplify the citrus flavor. If you don’t have it, try these:

• Lemon Balm: Lemon balm serves as an excellent replacement with a similar lemony fragrance.
• Lime Leaves: Kaffir lime leaves or regular lime leaves can provide an aromatic and citrusy twist to your tea.
• More Lemongrass or Lemon Zest: Subbing in just a bit more lemongrass or zest can fill the lemony gap left by lemon verbena.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a delicious, homemade version of Jade Citrus Mint Tea! 

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