- Can I use green tea?
- Yes, but steep green tea at a lower temperature to avoid bitterness, which clashes with the tart kefir.
- Will the kefir curdle?
- If you pour boiling tea into kefir, yes. It is crucial to let the tea cool to room temperature or lukewarm before mixing.
White Tea & Ginger Probiotic Kefir Smoothie
This drink is a probiotic spin on the 'tea latte' concept. The delicate, floral notes of white tea don't overpower the kefir, while the heat of fresh ginger provides an exciting contrast to the creamy base. Pairing ginger with fermented dairy (like in an Indian lassi) is a time-honored tradition for refreshment and digestion.
Ingredients
2
tsp
loose leaf white tea (or 1 tea bag)
0.5
cup
hot water (approx. 175°F)
0.5
inch
fresh ginger root
1
cup
plain kefir
1
tbsp
honey
1
tsp
fresh lemon juice
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Equipment Needed
- Kettle
- Mug for steeping
- Strainer
- Grater
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Brew a strong tea: steep the white tea in hot (not boiling!) water for 5 minutes, then strain.
Tip: Boiling water can burn delicate white tea leaves, making them astringent. Let the water cool for a couple of minutes after boiling.
2
✓
Peel and finely grate the ginger. Stir it into the warm tea and let it steep for 10 minutes while the tea cools.
Tip: Warm liquid helps extract the ginger's active compounds (gingerol) more effectively.
3
✓
Once the tea reaches room temperature, strain it again (if you prefer a smooth texture) and whisk in the honey and lemon juice.
Tip: Dissolve the honey while the liquid is still tepid to preserve its enzymes.
4
✓
Pour the kefir into a glass. Slowly pour in the flavored tea while stirring constantly.
Tip: Gradual mixing helps create a smooth emulsion between the two liquids of different densities.
5
✓
Enjoy immediately or chill for a refreshing beverage.
Tip: Serve over ice cubes on hot summer days.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 2 tsp loose leaf white tea (or 1 tea bag)
- 0.5 cup hot water (approx. 175°F)
- 0.5 inch fresh ginger root
- 1 cup plain kefir
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice