Begin by bringing 2 cups of fresh, cold water to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Avoid boiling the water vigorously, as this can scald the delicate white tea leaves.

Once the water is simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf white tea directly into the hot water. If you prefer, you can place the tea leaves in a tea infuser or a cheesecloth pouch for easier removal.

Cover the saucepan and let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes. The steeping time is crucial for extracting the optimal flavor and beneficial compounds without making the tea bitter. Taste a small amount after 3 minutes and steep longer if desired.

Strain the steeped tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or bowl to remove the tea leaves. Discard the leaves.

Stir in the fresh lemon juice. If you're using honey or agave nectar for sweetness, add it now and stir until dissolved. For a zesty twist, add the pinch of grated fresh ginger.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once it reaches a warm but drinkable temperature, carefully pour it into small shot glasses. You should get about 3-4 shots, depending on the size of your glasses.