Fresh Lemon and Ginger Iced Tea (Real Food, Paleo, Vegetarian)

Summer is here! Wait, I know summer truly isn't here but I live in Vegas and it is already too warm for me! And for me, summer heat means summer drinks all day long.

Along with fresh lemon, plenty of fresh ginger is used here for a punch of flavor and health boost. Ginger, as we all know, is a root that is widely used in cooking and beverages. But did you know that ginger has been regarded as a powerful medicinal since ancient times, too?

We know that ginger is a powerful tool to use when fighting off cold and respiratory issues but compounds in ginger (chromium, magnesium, and zinc) can also help normalize blood circulation. It can alleviate motion sickness symptoms and relieve stomach discomfort. And, ginger also stimulates secretion of enzymes in the stomach and pancreas, which improves the absorption of essential nutrients in the body. Plenty of reasons to add this refreshing infusion to your collection of healthy drinks to have on hand!

This recipe calls for a minimum amount of sweetener, as always, but feel free to add more if it is needed. I do call for organic lemons here, and I will highly recommend them since the entire lemon, (peel and all) will get steeped in the water before it is strained.

Fresh Lemon and Ginger Iced Tea

4 cups water
2 large lemons, organic
1 2-3 inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated (use a box grater or mini chopper)
1/4 cup raw honey, plus more to taste
Ice
Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)

In a medium saucepan, add the water and bring to a boil. Halve one lemon, peel and all, and squeeze the juice into the pan and the lemon halves into the pan, too. It is ok if seeds fall into the pan - they will be strained out later!

Add the freshly grated ginger, about 3 tablespoons, into the saucepan. Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the liquid into a pitcher. Discard the solids. Add the honey to the warm tea and stir until it is dissolved. Taste and add additional honey, as needed.

Refrigerate the tea until it is well chilled.

Thinly slice the second lemon. Serve the tea over ice and garnish with a thin lemon slice and mint sprig.

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