Panera Bread Green Tea Recipe (Copycat)

Water: The base of the tea, used to steep the green tea bags.

Green tea bags: Provides the main flavor and health benefits of the drink.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon juice.

Lemon juice: Gives a refreshing citrusy tang to the tea.

Mint leaves: Optional, but adds a fresh, aromatic element to the beverage.

When steeping the green tea, ensure the water is hot but not boiling to avoid bitterness. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature around 175°F. This will help extract the delicate flavors without over-extracting tannins.

• water - Substitute with coconut water: Adds a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients.

• green tea - Substitute with white tea: Offers a milder flavor and similar health benefits.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Provides a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Adds a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• mint leaves - Substitute with basil leaves: Offers a different but refreshing herbal note.

• To keep your Panera Bread Green Tea fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to maintain the taste and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The chilled environment will help preserve the green tea's delicate flavors and keep it refreshing. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• If you want to enjoy your green tea over a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Pour the tea into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the green tea cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a quick, chilled drink anytime by simply adding the cubes to a glass of water.
• For a creative twist, you can freeze the green tea with a few mint leaves or a splash of lemon juice in each cube. This adds an extra burst of flavor when you use the cubes later.
• When you're ready to serve, thaw the frozen green tea cubes in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the taste and quality of the tea.
• Always give the green tea a good stir before serving, especially if it has been stored for a few days. This ensures that the honey and lemon juice are evenly distributed, providing a consistent flavor in every sip.

• Pour the green tea into a microwave-safe mug or cup. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating. Stir well before serving.

• For a more even reheating, transfer the green tea to a small saucepan. Warm over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can alter the flavor.

• If you prefer a cold refreshment, simply pour the green tea over fresh ice cubes. For an added twist, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon.

• To maintain the delicate flavors, consider reheating the green tea using a double boiler. Place the tea in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently until warmed through.

• For a quick and easy method, use an electric kettle with a temperature control feature. Set it to a low heat setting and pour the green tea into the kettle. Heat until it reaches the perfect sipping temperature.

• Saucepan: Use this to boil the water for the tea.

• Teapot or heatproof pitcher: Ideal for steeping the tea bags.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the honey, lemon juice, and water.

• Spoon: Use this to stir the honey into the tea until it dissolves.

• Knife: Handy for cutting and preparing the mint leaves if you choose to use them.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the mint leaves.

• Refrigerator: Essential for chilling the tea before serving.

• Ice cube tray: For making ice to serve the tea over.

• Serving glasses: To serve the chilled tea.

Boil water in advance: Boil the water ahead of time and store it in a thermos to save time when you need it.

Use an electric kettle: An electric kettle can boil water faster than a stovetop, speeding up the process.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the honey, lemon juice, and mint leaves beforehand to streamline the preparation.

Steep multiple bags: Steep all green tea bags together to save time rather than doing them one by one.

Cool quickly: Place the tea in an ice bath to cool it down faster before refrigerating.