Experience the refreshing taste of a discontinued favorite with this homemade Guava White Tea Lemonade. It is the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and crisp tea, making it an ideal companion for warm, sunny days.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the beloved Starbucks flavor right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price. You have full control over the sugar content, allowing you to use natural sweeteners like honey instead of heavy commercial syrups. Plus, it is incredibly easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients and fresh fruit juices, making it much healthier than the original version.
Ingredients
- White tea bags (or green tea if white tea is unavailable)
- Guava juice or guava nectar
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Honey (or your choice of agave, maple syrup, or sugar)
- Hot water
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by heating half a cup of water to a boil. In a large heat-safe measuring cup or pitcher, dissolve the honey in the hot water.
- Add the white tea bag to the water and allow it to steep for 10 minutes to extract the delicate flavors.
- After the initial 10 minutes, add half a cup of ice cubes to the hot tea. Let it continue to steep for another 10 minutes until the ice has mostly melted and the tea is chilled.
- Discard the tea bag. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, you can use two tea bags instead of one.
- Stir in the guava juice and the freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is well combined.
- Fill your serving glasses with fresh ice and pour the Guava White Tea Lemonade over the top. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the most out of your Guava White Tea Lemonade, always opt for freshly squeezed lemons rather than bottled juice, as the acidity is much brighter and cleaner. If you find your drink is too sweet, you can omit the honey entirely, as many brands of guava nectar contain enough natural sugar to sweeten the drink. For those who enjoy a very cold beverage, chill your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep the ice from melting too quickly.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is highly customizable based on what you have in your pantry. If you cannot find white tea, green tea or even a light black tea will work beautifully. For a Guava Iced Tea Limeade, simply swap the lemon juice for fresh lime juice. If you want a creamier, tropical experience similar to other popular coffee shop drinks, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coconut milk. You can even turn this into a frozen treat by freezing the white tea into ice cubes and blending them with the juices.
Serving Suggestions
This drink is a fantastic accompaniment to summer meals. It pairs exceptionally well with a crisp mixed berry spinach salad or a zesty Santa Fe salad. If you are hosting a backyard barbecue, serve this lemonade alongside homemade beef burgers to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors. For a beautiful presentation, garnish each glass with a slice of fresh lemon or a sprig of mint.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
You can prepare the white tea base up to 24 hours in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator. Once the juices are mixed in, the lemonade should be kept in a covered jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find yourself with leftovers, try freezing the mixture into ice cube trays; these guava tea cubes are perfect for chilling future drinks without watering them down.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 71 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 0.04 g |
| Fat | 0.02 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Vitamin C | 32 mg |
| Sodium | 8 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Guava White Tea Lemonade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating half a cup of water to a boil. In a large heat-safe measuring cup or pitcher, dissolve the honey in the hot water.Honey, 1/2 cup Hot water
- Add the white tea bag to the water and allow it to steep for 10 minutes to extract the delicate flavors.1 White tea bag
- After the initial 10 minutes, add half a cup of ice cubes to the hot tea. Let it continue to steep for another 10 minutes until the ice has mostly melted and the tea is chilled.1/2 cup Ice cubes
- Discard the tea bag. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, you can use two tea bags instead of one.
- Stir in the guava juice and the freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is well combined.Guava juice or guava nectar, Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fill your serving glasses with fresh ice and pour the Guava White Tea Lemonade over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Simply replace the honey with agave nectar, maple syrup, or a simple sugar syrup to make this drink entirely vegan-friendly.
What is the difference between guava juice and guava nectar?
Guava nectar is typically thicker and sweeter than pure juice, as it often contains added water and sweeteners. Both work well in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the added honey depending on which one you use.
Does white tea have caffeine?
Yes, white tea does contain caffeine, though it is generally lower in caffeine than black or green tea. If you require a caffeine-free version, look for a decaffeinated white tea or a herbal fruit tea base.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 ounces of liquid. This is enough for two 12-ounce Tall servings or one large 24-ounce Venti serving.