3 ways with…Cosy Lemon Green

3 ways with… is a series exploring different ways of brewing and sipping our favourite drink. I’ll be picking out some of my favourite Cosy flavours and showing you a few different ways to enjoy them. Click here to see previous posts from the series.

Traditional Dragon-Phoenix ball tea

Earl Grey might have been a classic but green tea is seriously old school – it dates back to 8th century China when the idea of steaming tea leaves was first discovered. This new method produced tastier and less bitter teas, not unlike the ones we enjoy today. By the 10th century, tea drinking was just as big a deal in China as afternoon tea would later become in Britain. The Chinese began brewing ‘tribute teas’ which were presented to emperors and high ranking officials and it wasn’t long before people started competing for royal favour, developing extravagant brews like the rather exciting sounding Dragon-Phoenix ball tea which was flavoured with jasmine.

 
These days, its reportedly high levels of vitamins and anti-oxidants mean that green tea is hailed as a bit of a super food. Some of its alleged benefits include boosting weight loss, increasing the metabolism, reducing cholesterol and even preventing tooth decay! If all this has left your mouth watering for green tea, luckily for you Cosy have no less than two delicious flavours – Jasmine Green and Lemon Green. I’ve used Lemon Green for these recipes, but Jasmine Green would make a lovely fragrant alternative. So without further ado, here are my top 3 ways to drink Cosy Lemon Green…

 
Hot with honey
Winter is fast approaching and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. Why not try this twist on the traditional honey and lemon drink? Hot Lemon Green tea with honey makes a delicious, warming tonic. It won’t cure your cold but it’ll be sure to cheer you up. Just boil the kettle, and steep the tea bag for 3-5 minutes. Stir through a teaspoon or so of honey to taste and enjoy, preferably curled up on the sofa in a blanket.

 
Iced with a slice 
From one extreme to the other but no less delicious: ice cold Lemon Green tea with a slice of lemon is the perfect refresher when you want something tasty but virtuous. A little patience is required for this one: brew your tea for 3-5 minutes and leave to cool. Serve in a glass with ice cubes and a slice of lemon.

 
In a martini
Cosy Lemon Green’s fragrant and zesty flavours make it a wonderful cocktail ingredient. I brewed the tea for 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavour in this Green Tea Martini, and added vodka, lemon juice and fresh mint for extra zing. Dip the rim of a cocktail glass in lemon juice and sugar to make your cocktail hour extra special.