Warm, soothing, and wonderfully simple, this Lemon, Ginger and Mint Tea is a refreshing hot drink for cold winter days. Made with fresh ginger root, lemon slices, mint leaves, and hot water, it has a bright citrus flavor, a gentle herbal note, and a warming ginger kick that makes every sip feel comforting.
I first became a dedicated tea drinker when I moved to Germany as a teenager. It did not take long for me to fall in love with the kinds of tea that seemed to be everywhere, especially chamomile and peppermint. On chilly evenings, those two teas felt like a daily ritual, and nearly every home I visited had them tucked away in the kitchen cupboard.
These days, I still keep chamomile and peppermint tea on hand, but after a December trip to Germany, I came home with a new favorite: fresh lemon ginger mint tea.
The inspiration came during a visit to the Christmas market in Ludwigsburg, just north of Stuttgart. I had spent most of the day outside, and once the sun went down, the cold really settled in. On my walk back to the train station, I stopped at a coffee shop hoping to get a hot peppermint tea to go.
They were out of peppermint tea, so they suggested another hot drink made with fresh mint. Since I already enjoy fresh mint tea, I decided to try it. As I continued toward the train station, holding the warm cup in my hands and sipping as I walked, I realized it was even better than ordinary mint tea.
I actually stopped on the sidewalk to take a quick photo so I would remember what was inside: fresh ginger, lemon, mint, and hot water. That was it. No complicated ingredients, no special equipment, and no long preparation time. It was simple, fragrant, warming, and delicious.
The Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas market was beautiful in the late afternoon, with lights beginning to glow as the day turned colder. Here are a few photos from around 4:30 p.m.
The next day, after visiting the Christmas market in Esslingen, just south of Stuttgart, I took a break in a café to warm up. On the menu, I noticed a fresh ginger and lemon tea. Their version did not include mint, but it was just as comforting and full of flavor.
That café also had an impressive display of German cakes. Germany has so many wonderful cakes and pastries that it is easy to find something tempting with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Esslingen’s Christmas market includes a traditional German Christmas market and a medieval-style market. These photos were taken around 11 a.m. I would have loved to return after dark to see the lights and atmosphere in the evening.
Once I was back in the United States, I bought fresh ginger, lemons, and mint so I could make the same tea at home. It could not be easier. You only need a few fresh ingredients, a mug, and hot water.
This homemade ginger tea is fresh, lightly spicy, naturally aromatic, and very satisfying. The lemon adds brightness, the mint makes it feel clean and refreshing, and the ginger gives it that deep warmth that is especially welcome in winter. I often drink it in the evening when I want something cozy but do not want a sweet dessert.
The longer the fresh ginger steeps, the stronger and spicier the tea becomes. I enjoy that bold ginger flavor, but if you prefer a milder cup, you can remove the ginger slices after a few minutes. If you like your tea sweet, add a little honey to taste.
Best German Desserts to Enjoy with This Tea
If you want to enjoy this lemon ginger mint tea with a German-inspired treat, choose something simple, cozy, and not overly heavy. A slice of cake or a few cookies pairs beautifully with the bright lemon and warm ginger flavors.
- Bienenstich “Bee Sting” Cake
- Classic German Cheesecake
- German Apple Cream Cake
- German Lebkuchen Cookies
What You Need to Make Lemon, Ginger & Mint Tea
Ingredients:
- Fresh ginger root
- Fresh lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Hot water
- Honey, optional
Kitchen Tools:
- Water kettle
- Mug or cup
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Lemon, Ginger & Mint Tea
This recipe makes one cup of tea. Heat 1 cup of water until it is very hot but not fully boiling. An electric kettle makes this quick and easy.
Peel about 1 inch of fresh ginger root and slice it thinly. Wash the lemon and cut one slice, then cut that slice in half. Rinse 5 to 7 medium or large mint leaves.
Place the ginger slices, lemon pieces, and mint leaves in your mug. Pour the hot water over the ingredients and let the tea steep for a few minutes before drinking.
Note: fresh ginger will make the tea spicier the longer it steeps. Remove the ginger early for a milder flavor, or leave it in for a stronger cup.
Looking For More Hot Drink Recipes?
- Homemade Egg Nog Latte
- How to Make Egg Nog From Scratch
- Warm Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Winter
- Easy London Fog Recipe
- Dutch Fresh Hot Mint Tea
- Healthy Hot Lemon Ginger Mint Tea
Lemon Ginger Mint Tea
5 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 piece fresh ginger root, about 1 inch, peeled and sliced
- 1 fresh lemon slice, halved
- 5 to 7 fresh mint leaves
- Honey, optional
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of water until very hot, just before boiling.
- Peel the fresh ginger root and cut it into thin slices.
- Wash the lemon, cut one slice, and cut the slice in half.
- Rinse the mint leaves.
- Add the ginger, lemon, and mint to a mug.
- Pour the hot water into the mug and let the tea steep for a few minutes.
- Add honey to taste, if desired, and enjoy while warm.
Notes
The ginger flavor becomes stronger and spicier the longer it steeps. Remove the ginger slices after a few minutes if you prefer a gentler tea.