Looking for a refreshing, guilt-free drink to cool down this summer? Your search ends here! This article is your ultimate guide to making the perfect sugar-free lemon thyme iced tea. You’ll be whipping up this delicious beverage in no time with our easy-to-follow steps.
You won’t have to worry about any hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners, making it a great choice for those of you watching your sugar intake. The fresh thyme gives it a unique twist, elevating the classic lemon iced tea to a whole new level. Plus, this drink is not just tasty, it’s also packed with health benefits!
So, why wait? Let’s dive in and get started on your new favorite summer drink!
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we dive in, you’ll need to gather your ingredients, making sure you’ve got fresh lemons, sprigs of thyme, a sugar substitute of your choice, and, of course, your favorite brand of tea.
Don’t skimp on the freshness of your lemons; the tangier they are, the more they’ll enhance the taste of your iced tea. You’ll also need some sprigs of thyme – fresh ones work best.
Choose a sugar substitute that suits your palate. You could use stevia, erythritol, or even monk fruit sweetener.
Lastly, pick your favorite tea. Black, green, or even herbal tea can work. Just make sure it’s one you love.
Once you’ve got all these, you’re set to start brewing that refreshing sugar-free lemon thyme iced tea.
Preparing the Fresh Thyme
Having gathered your fresh herbs, you’ll need to gently rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. It’s essential for the thyme to be as clean as possible because it’ll be steeped directly into your tea.
After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. You’ll want to remove the thyme leaves from the stalks. It’s an easy task; just pinch the top of the stem and run your fingers down the length of the stem, stripping off the leaves as you go.
Once you’ve got a decent amount of thyme leaves, set them aside. Remember, you’re aiming for about a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves for your sugar-free lemon thyme iced tea. This amount will give your tea that lovely, subtle herbal note.
Squeezing the Lemons
Now it’s time to get those lemons juiced. First, roll each lemon on your countertop, applying a little pressure. This helps release more juice.
Cut them in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the juice. Remember, you’re aiming for about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Don’t worry if you collect a bit of pulp, it’ll add a nice texture to your iced tea. However, if you prefer a smoother drink, use a fine mesh strainer to remove it.
Finally, sweeten your lemon juice with your choice of sugar substitute. Stir it well to ensure it dissolves completely.
Your sugar-free lemon component is now ready to combine with your thyme-infused water.
Brewing and Infusing the Drink
Alright, let’s kick things up a notch and bring our infused water and zesty juice together for the final brewing and infusing process. Start by pouring your freshly squeezed lemon juice into a large pitcher.
Next, add your sugar substitute. Remember, you’re in control of the sweetness, so add as much or as little as you’d like. Stir until the sugar substitute is fully dissolved.
Now it’s time to add your tea bags. Let them steep in the lemon juice and sweetener mixture for about 5 minutes. After the tea has brewed, remove the tea bags and add in your lemon-thyme infused water.
Give everything a good stir and there you have it – a refreshing pitcher of sugar-free lemon thyme iced tea. Enjoy this delightful concoction on a hot summer day.
Serving and Enjoying the Beverage
It’s time to savor the fruits of your labor and truly relish this refreshing blend. Chill your sugar-free lemon thyme iced tea in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
When you’re ready to serve, fill up tall glasses with crushed ice. Pour your aromatic tea over the ice, allowing the chill to further enhance the flavors.
Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh thyme and a lemon slice for that extra pop of color and flavor. Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy the balance of tart lemon, earthy thyme, and the subtle sweetness from the sugar substitute.
This is more than just a drink, it’s a masterpiece you’ve created. So, savor each sip, you’ve earned it!
SUGAR-FREE LEMON THYME ICED TEA
Ingredients
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme I used lemon thyme
- 1 cinnamon stick
- juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 black tea bags I used Irish Breakfast tea
- 6 cups water
- 1 teaspoon lemon stevia or use lemon extract and plain stevia
- 1 lemon to garnish
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water, thyme, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest to a boil in a large sauce pan over medium high heat.
- Remove from heat after it starts boiling and add tea bags and lemon stevia.
- Set aside for 15 minutes to steep.
- Remove tea bags and allow to cool to room temperature, about an hour.
- Strain mixture in a fine mesh strainer and add to a pitcher.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Garnish with lemon slices.
Conclusion
You’ve done it! You’ve made a refreshing, sugar-free lemon thyme iced tea. It’s a blend of tart, sweet, and herbal flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Remember, it’s not just about the end product, it’s about the joy of the process. Cheers to your success, and here’s to many more delightful kitchen adventures!
