Ginger-Mint Citrus Iced Tea

I used to buy this ginger citrus iced tea from Balthazar’s Bakery in the summer. When we moved offices from SoHo to Chinatown, it was one of the small pleasures I started to miss. Now I make my own. It takes patience to make your own ginger-citrus juice, but you can use any ginger tea bag you like. In Chinatown, you can buy ginger honey crystals from a brand called Prince of Peace. They’re pretty strong and very gingery.

Ingredients:
1 large knob of ginger, peeled, crushed
fresh lemon juice
fresh mint leaves
orange peels
ice cubes

1. In a small saucepan, boil a pitcher-full of water with the ginger and orange peels. When water is boiling, lower the fire and simmer until water is reduced. Mix in lemon juice and mint leaves. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool.
2. When ready to serve, strain and pour the cooled ginger-orange mixture into a carafe. Serve with ice. Garnish with leftover mint leaves and orange peels.