🍋 Hong Kong Lemon Tea Recipe (Hong Kong Style Iced Lemon Tea)
“Hong Kong Lemon Tea recipe — refreshing iced black tea with lemon slices, sugar syrup, and ice. A classic Cha Chaan Teng café drink, perfect for summer!”
Hong Kong Lemon Tea, also called “dong ling cha” (凍檸茶), is one of the most refreshing and iconic drinks from Hong Kong’s famous Cha Chaan Teng cafés. It’s a perfect balance of strong black tea, fresh lemon juice, and just the right amount of sweetness, served over ice.
This chilled drink is not just delicious but also energizing, making it a must-try Hong Kong café beverage that pairs perfectly with snacks like pineapple buns or egg tarts.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 black tea bags (Ceylon or Lipton Yellow Label preferred)
- 2 cups hot water
- 3–4 slices fresh lemon
- 2–3 tsp sugar syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
🍹 Instructions
-
Brew the tea
- Add tea bags to hot water and let steep for 5–7 minutes until strong and fragrant.
- Remove tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
-
Sweeten the tea
- Stir in sugar syrup or honey while the tea is warm. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
-
Add lemon
- Place fresh lemon slices into a tall glass. Gently press them with a spoon to release flavor.
-
Assemble and serve
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, pour in the sweetened black tea, and stir well.
- Garnish with extra lemon slices for a café-style touch.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use Ceylon black tea for authentic Hong Kong flavor.
- Always add sugar syrup, not granulated sugar, for a smooth taste.
- For a stronger citrus punch, squeeze in fresh lemon juice in addition to slices.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and energizing
- Simple ingredients, ready in minutes
- Perfect summer drink with authentic Hong Kong flavor
❓ FAQs About Hong Kong Lemon Tea
1. What is Hong Kong Lemon Tea?
Hong Kong Lemon Tea is a refreshing iced black tea served with lemon slices and sugar syrup. It’s one of the most popular drinks in Hong Kong’s Cha Chaan Teng cafés.
2. What kind of tea is used for Hong Kong Lemon Tea?
Ceylon black tea is the most authentic choice, but you can also use strong black teas like Lipton Yellow Label, Assam, or English Breakfast tea.
3. Can I make Hong Kong Lemon Tea without sugar?
Yes! While traditional versions use sugar syrup, you can replace it with honey, stevia, or leave it unsweetened for a lighter taste.
4. Is Hong Kong Lemon Tea the same as iced lemon tea?
Not exactly. Hong Kong Lemon Tea is stronger and bolder because of the concentrated black tea base. Regular iced lemon tea is usually lighter and less robust in flavor.
5. Can I drink Hong Kong Lemon Tea hot?
Yes! Although it’s commonly served iced, you can enjoy it hot by steeping strong tea, adding sugar, and dropping in lemon slices without ice.
6. Does Hong Kong Lemon Tea contain caffeine?
Yes, it does, since it’s made with black tea. The caffeine content depends on the type of tea used and how long it’s steeped.
7. How long can I store Hong Kong Lemon Tea?
You can brew and refrigerate the sweetened tea for up to 24 hours. Add lemon slices and ice just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
🍹Similar Recipes to Hong Kong Lemon Tea
1. Hong Kong Milk Tea (Pantyhose Tea / Silk Stocking Tea)
Strong black tea blended with evaporated or condensed milk, a creamy and iconic café drink.
2. Hong Kong Style Iced Coffee (Yuen Yeung Coffee)
A Hong Kong café special made by combining strong coffee with milk and sometimes tea for a unique flavor.
3. Bubble Milk Tea (Boba Tea)
Originally from Taiwan but widely loved in Hong Kong, this drink combines milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls.
4. Hong Kong Red Bean Ice Drink
A sweet, icy dessert drink made with red beans, evaporated milk, and crushed ice — popular in summer.
5. Thai Iced Tea
Not Hong Kong origin, but often enjoyed side-by-side — sweet and creamy black tea flavored with spices and condensed milk.
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