Panera Passion Papaya Green Tea Recipe Copycat
Nothing beats the refreshing fruit flavors of a passion fruit and papaya green tea on a hot summer day. Panera Bread’s take on this fruity tea combination has developed quite a following, but buying a cup or bottle every time a craving strikes can get pricey. Luckily, this copycat recipe allows you to create a spot-on dupe at home for a fraction of the cost. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll wow your taste buds with the bright, tropical flavors reminiscent of Panera’s iconic passion papaya green tea. So read on to learn how to quench your thirst with this easy, budget-friendly beverage!
Getting to Know the Panera Passion Papaya Green Tea
Panera Bread first debuted their Passion Papaya Green Tea back in 2010, and it quickly became a customer favorite. This thirst-quenching drink features a base of green tea amped up with fruity accents of passion fruit and papaya. The result is a beautifully balanced beverage with grassy, floral notes from the tea complemented by sweet, tropical flavors. Each sip tastes like an island getaway in your cup!
In addition to its mouthwatering taste, the Passion Papaya Green Tea has become so popular due to its wide availability. It’s served chilled at every Panera cafe and sold in bottles at most grocery stores across the country. No matter where you are, you can get your fix of this energizing elixir. But buying it again and again isn’t always in budget. Read on to learn how to recreate the magic at home.
Crafting Your Own Copycat Version
This copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the taste of Panera’s Passion Papaya Green Tea for a fraction of the cost. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch ready in under 30 minutes. The method involves steeping flavorful green tea bags in hot water before mixing in tropical passion fruit and papaya purees. A touch of fresh lime adds a bit of zing while ice cubes lend an chilled, ultra-refreshing finish. In no time at all, you’ll be sipping this fruity tea duped straight from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tropical green tea bags
- 2 tbsp passion fruit syrup
- 1 tbsp papaya nectar
- 1 slice lime
- Ice cubes, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring water to a boil: Add 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and place over high heat. Allow to come to a rolling boil.
- Steep the tea: Once boiling, remove from heat and add 2 tropical green tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, allowing the herbal flavor to infuse into the hot water.
- Mix in fruit purees: After 5 minutes, discard tea bags and stir in 2 tablespoons passion fruit syrup and 1 tablespoon papaya nectar. The purees lend a sweet, fruity twist.
- Cool briefly: Allow the tea to sit at room temperature for 10 additional minutes to cool slightly.
- Serve over ice: Pour finished tea into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. The chilled temperature makes it ultra-refreshing.
- Garnish and enjoy: Add a slice of lime to the glass for a burst of citrus. Sip and savor the tropical fruit flavors reminiscent of the Panera original!
Nutrition Facts
While this light, fruity tea makes the perfect way to cool down, it’s also relatively low in calories and added sugar. So you can feel good enjoying this copycat recipe on even the hottest of days!
Serving Size: 1 drink (about 8 oz)
Calories: 38
Sugar: 8.5g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0.1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9.7g
Fiber: 0.7g
Protein: 0.4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Tips for Making the Best Copycat Passion Papaya Green Tea
Follow these simple tips and tricks to get the most flavor and accuracy out of your homemade version:
- Use a high quality tropical green tea, like one containing pineapple and mango, for the most vibrant flavor.
- Allow tea to steep for the full 5 minutes to extract maximum herbal notes.
- Look for passion fruit and papaya purees without added sugars for greater control over sweetness.
- Add more or less fruit puree to taste depending on desired intensity.
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving over ice to prevent dilution.
- Garnish with lime or other fresh fruits like kiwi or pineapple.
- Store any leftover tea in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of green tea is best to use?
Opt for a blended tropical green tea containing pineapple, mango, passion fruit, and other bright fruit flavors. Avoid plain traditional green tea.
Can I use juice instead of fruit purees?
Stick with thick purees rather than juice for the best texture and flavor replication. Juice tends to be too thin.
Is the passion fruit syrup necessary?
Yes, the passion fruit syrup adds an authentic sweet, tart flavor that can’t be mimicked with other ingredients.
Can I add more papaya for a stronger flavor?
Definitely, add up to 2 tablespoons of papaya nectar if you want a more prominent papaya taste.
Beat the Heat with Copycat Passion Papaya Green Tea
When summer temps climb, cool down with a chilled glass of this spot-on Passion Papaya Green Tea duplicater. With refreshing tropical fruity flavors reminiscent of the Panera classic, it offers the perfect way to hydrate minus the premium price tag. So grab some tea bags, fruit purees, and ice to blend this easy, budget-friendly beverage in your own kitchen. One sip and you’ll be transported poolside with this bright, fragrant fruity tea!
