GINGER LEMONGRASS ICED GREEN TEA

Ginger Lemongrass Iced Green Tea image

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 cups water
1 stalk lemongrass
1 piece of ginger (about the size of two thumbs (or one freakishly large thumb))
1/3 cup sugar (or 1/4 cup agave nectar, or sugar substitute to taste - just add to taste after it's chilled)
10 individual bags green tea or 3 heaping tablespoons loose green tea
Mint for garnish

Steps:

Cut lemongrass into two-inch pieces, and crush with the flat side of a knife, or just cut each piece lengthwise a few more times like I did.
Peel ginger and cut into thin slices.
In a large saucepan over high heat, bring the water, lemongrass, ginger, and sugar to a boil.
Remove saucepan from the heat, and add the green tea (if you're adding the loose tea, put it in something so you can get it out right after it's steeped, while leaving the ginger and lemongrass in). Steep for about a minute, or until it's the right color/flavor for your tastes.
Remove the tea bags/leaves, then let sit for about 30 minutes.
Pour the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.
Refrigerate until cool - about a couple of hours.
Pour over ice. Top with a mint sprig. And enjoy!