Cold-Brew Lu'an Gua Pian with Cucumber and Lime
Smooth cold-brewed Lu'an Gua Pian with cool cucumber and bright lime—a crisp, refreshing iced green tea that keeps its toasty sweetness intact.
Cold-brewing is the gentlest way to draw out Lu'an Gua Pian's chestnut sweetness while leaving any bitterness behind. Steeped slowly in cold water, the single-leaf green tea releases a smooth, clean liquor that's naturally sweet and remarkably refreshing over ice.
Cucumber adds a cool, garden-fresh note that mirrors the tea's vegetal side, while lime lifts everything with a bright, citrusy edge. Together they turn a simple iced tea into something that tastes like a spa garden in a glass.
The trick is patience: let it steep in the fridge for several hours so the flavors develop fully. Cold extraction keeps the cup low in astringency, so it stays smooth even after a long brew.
Serve in a tall glass over plenty of ice for a hot afternoon. It's hydrating, lightly energizing, and far more interesting than plain iced green tea.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Lu'an Gua Pian leaves
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1/3 cucumber, sliced into ribbons
- 1/2 lime, sliced
- 1 tsp honey or agave (optional)
- Fresh mint sprig
- Ice cubes
How to make it
- 1Combine the Lu'an Gua Pian leaves and cold water in a jar or pitcher.
- 2Add half the cucumber and lime slices, cover, and refrigerate 5–7 hours.
- 3Strain out the leaves and solids, pressing gently to extract flavor.
- 4Stir in honey or agave if using, until dissolved.
- 5Fill tall glasses with ice, pour over the cold brew, and garnish with fresh cucumber, lime, and mint.
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