If you ask what my favorite thing in the world is, I would reply tea.
Lemon tea.
Tea is a superior beverage. Most Indians prefer it over other drinkables. I have always seen my parents guzzle cups upon cups each day. Breaks in offices are taken in its name. It is everywhere- the ultimate pick-me-up.
I started taking the beverage in college. I consumed masala/ginger milk tea outdoors. At home, I would just boil the tea-dust and add some sugar. At one point I started adding lemon. The inclusion was magical.
Lemon tea is generally prepared as mild refreshment, but I use a mass of tea-dust, sugar and lemon in the brew. So it becomes a strong concoction. It tastes like a lemonade-tea hybrid and gives me a sense of zen. The drink gets the creative juices flowing and the body is stimulated for any and all activities.
Generally people want company when they are having tea. I have found it mostly, but not with my own citrus variant. My Mausaji accompanied me for a small while, which was my only regular community lemon-tea drinking experience.
I believe that tea is company in itself. One spends her time with the cuppa like one does with a close friend.
I have achieved operational excellence in making lemon tea by now. I can prepare it like clockwork. 2-3 minutes is all it takes me.
There are many variations of the lemon tea that I prepare. The first is the classic- lemon, tea, and sugar. Second is the classic + mint (could be the best version of all). Third is classic + mint + lavender. Next there is classic + black salt + pepper powder.
Currently, I’m exclusively consuming the last decoction. I tinker with the ingredients and partake in alternative brews in phases.
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