A pale, lemony iced tea that's light on caffeine and big on freshness, perfect for a sunny afternoon.
At a glance
- Serves: 1 · Prep: 5 min · Steep: 8–10 min · Total: about 30 min, including cooling
- Recommended guayusa: Green (fresh and light)
- Caffeine: about 44 mg with two 1.5 g Green bags (about 59 mg with 4 g of loose leaf)
Ingredients
- 2 Green guayusa tea bags (or 2 full tsp Green loose leaf)
- 8 oz hot water
- 5–6 fresh lemon balm leaves, plus a sprig to garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Steep the guayusa with the lemon balm in 8 oz of hot water for 8–10 minutes.
- Remove the bags and leaves (or strain) and let it cool.
- Pour over ice and top with a lemon balm sprig.
Tip: No lemon balm? A few mint leaves and a strip of lemon peel give a similar feel.
Why Green guayusa?
Green guayusa is fresh and light, which keeps the drink clear and lets the lemon balm shine. You can buy it as Green Guayusa Tea Bags – 100 Count or as Green Guayusa Loose Leaf.
Any of our three guayusas works in this recipe: Traditional gives a darker, bolder drink; Golden a smoother, golden one; Green the lightest color and caffeine. Compare them all in our guayusa tea bags and loose leaf guayusa collections.
More guayusa recipes
Find this recipe and its companions in Guayusa Herbal Tea Recipes. New to brewing guayusa? Start with How to Make Guayusa Tea. For everything else about the leaf, see our guayusa tea guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine is in iced lemon balm guayusa?
About 44 mg with two 1.5 g Green bags (about 59 mg with 4 g of loose leaf). Caffeine varies a little from harvest to harvest, so treat this as an approximate figure.
Can I use a different guayusa?
Yes. Traditional gives a darker, bolder drink; Golden a smoother, golden one; Green the lightest color and caffeine. The recipe works the same way with tea bags or loose leaf.
Can I make a pitcher in advance?
Yes. Multiply the recipe by four, steep in 32 oz of hot water for 8–10 minutes, strain and keep it in the fridge. Add the fresh ingredients and ice when you serve.