Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea: Refreshing Recipe You Can Make at Home

Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea is a refreshing beverage that captures the essence of summer in every sip. As someone who has always been a fan of Panera’s delightful menu, I found myself craving their signature iced green tea, especially on warm afternoons. This recipe not only replicates the vibrant flavor but also allows you to enjoy it in the comfort of your home. The history of green tea dates back thousands of years, celebrated for its health benefits and soothing properties, making it a beloved choice across cultures.

People adore this drink for its perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness, combined with the invigorating taste of green tea. The convenience of making Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea at home means you can whip up a batch whenever the mood strikes, whether for a casual gathering or a quiet moment of self-care. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that promises to quench your thirst and elevate your day!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4 green tea bags (I recommend using a high-quality green tea for the best flavor)
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Additional lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Tea

1. Start by boiling the water. In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. I like to use filtered water for a cleaner taste, but tap water works fine too.
2. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat. Add the 4 green tea bags to the pot. Make sure to submerge them fully in the water.
3. Let the tea bags steep for about 5-7 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be. I usually go for about 6 minutes for a nice balance.
4. After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags. Be sure to squeeze them gently to extract any remaining liquid, but avoid over-squeezing as it can make the tea bitter.

Sweetening the Tea

1. While the tea is still warm, add the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is crucial because sugar dissolves better in warm liquids.
2. Once the sugar is dissolved, let the tea cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing the pot in a cold water bath or simply letting it sit on the counter.

Adding Lemon Juice

1. Once the tea has cooled, it’s time to add the fresh lemon juice. Squeeze about 1/4 cup of lemon juice, which is roughly the juice of 1-2 lemons, depending on their size and juiciness.
2. Stir the lemon juice into the tea. This adds a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Taste the tea at this point; if you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add more sugar or lemon juice to suit your taste.

Chilling the Tea

1. Transfer the tea to a pitcher. I like to use a glass pitcher because it looks nice and allows me to see the beautiful color of the tea.
2. Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until it’s nice and cold. This step is essential for that refreshing iced tea experience.

Serving the Iced Green Tea

1. Once the tea is chilled, it’s time to serve! Fill a glass with ice cubes. I usually fill it about halfway with ice to keep the tea nice and cold.
2. Pour the chilled green tea over the ice. You’ll see the tea take on a beautiful, vibrant green hue as it fills the glass.
3. If you want to elevate your drink, add a few fresh mint leaves for garnish. They not only look pretty but also add a lovely aroma as you sip.
4. For an extra touch, you can also add a slice of lemon to the rim of the glass or float it on top of the tea. It makes for a beautiful presentation!

Storing Leftovers

1. If you have any leftover iced green tea, simply cover the pitcher and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
2. When serving leftovers, you might want to add a few fresh ice cubes, as the ice from the previous serving may have melted and diluted the tea.

Tips for the Perfect Iced Green Tea

• Experiment with different types of green tea. Some brands have unique flavor profiles that can change the overall taste of your iced tea.
• If you prefer a less sweet tea, start with less sugar and adjust to your taste. You can always add more later!
• For a fruity twist, consider adding slices of fresh

  Conclusion:

  In summary, this Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing and invigorating beverage. Not only does it capture the delightful flavors of the original, but it also allows you to customize it to your taste. Whether you prefer it sweetened with honey, infused with fresh mint, or even spiced up with a splash of citrus, the possibilities are endless. I highly recommend serving it over ice with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for that extra touch of elegance. You can also pair it with a light salad or a sandwich for a perfect lunch combo, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning. I encourage you to give this Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea a try and experience the refreshing taste for yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the joy of this delicious drink together! Print
  

  Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea: Refreshing Recipe You Can Make at Home

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  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 140 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 glasses 1x

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  Description

  This Iced Green Tea is a refreshing blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for hot days. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s an invigorating and hydrating beverage that can be easily customized to your taste. Enjoy it chilled, garnished with fresh mint and lemon for a delightful twist.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 4 cups of water
  • 4 green tea bags
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Additional lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

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  Instructions

  1. Start by boiling the water. In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Filtered water is preferred for a cleaner taste.
  2. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the 4 green tea bags, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  3. Let the tea bags steep for about 5-7 minutes. A steeping time of around 6 minutes is ideal for a balanced flavor.
  4. Carefully remove the tea bags, squeezing them gently to extract any remaining liquid without over-squeezing, which can make the tea bitter.
  5. While the tea is still warm, add the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
  6. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, which can be expedited by placing the pot in a cold water bath.
  7. Once cooled, squeeze about 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (roughly 1-2 lemons) and stir it into the tea.
  8. Taste the tea and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if desired.
  9. Transfer the tea to a glass pitcher and cover it.
  10. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours.
  11. Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
  12. Pour the chilled green tea over the ice, watching it take on a vibrant green hue.
  13. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for an elevated presentation.
  14. Cover any leftover iced green tea and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  15. When serving leftovers, add fresh ice cubes to maintain the tea’s flavor.

  Notes

  • Experiment with different types of green tea for unique flavor profiles.
  • Adjust the sweetness to your preference by starting with less sugar.
  • For a fruity twist, consider adding slices of fresh fruit like peaches or berries.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes