Lemongrass Tea Recipe

I absolutely adore this lemongrass tea recipe because it’s like a mini spa experience in a cup, blending calming aromas with a refreshing taste that’s both soothing and invigorating. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, allowing me to indulge in a moment of tranquility any time I need a quick mental escape from my hectic millennial life.

The qualities of lemongrass tea that I consider to be the most refreshing and aromatic come from my method of making this herbal infusion. I use two stalks of fresh lemongrass for every four cups of tea that I brew.

The simplicity of the recipe belies the complex and invigorating flavor of the tea. My enhancements—ginger or cinnamon, honey, and lemon slices—are nearly obligatory; they are part of the full experience that is drinking lemongrass tea.

Ingredients

Lemongrass has a refreshing, citrusy flavor; is rich in antioxidants; and supports digestion.

Calories are absent in water.

It is a calorie-free medium that provides hydration and permits the effortless amalgamation of flavors.

Natural sweetener; contains antioxidants; soothes throat: Honey.

Ginger: Contributes warmth and zest; promotes digestion; provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cinnamon: Fragrant spice; reduces blood sugar levels; increases metabolism.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass
• 4 cups of water
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
• 1-2 slices of ginger (optional)
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
• Fresh lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start with a good rinsing of the lemongrass stalks under cold running water. This will wash away any dirt or impurities that might be clinging to the surface.

2. Cut the tough ends off the stalks and peel back the outer layers to expose the tender inner stalks.

3. Take the lemongrass stalks and cut them into smaller sections, about 2-3 inches long, and then gently smash them with the back of a knife to get the natural oils flowing from your lemongrass.

4. In a pot of medium size, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

5. Prepare lemongrass pieces and add them to boiling water.

6. If you are using them, add the ginger slices and small cinnamon stick to the pot for extra flavor.

7. Lower the heat so that it is just enough to maintain a simmer, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the water.

8. Pour the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a teapot or large heatproof jug, discarding the solids.

9. Add honey or your preferred sweetener to taste, and stir until fully dissolved.

10. Lemongrass tea can be served hot and, if desired, can be garnished with fresh lemon slices. You can now enjoy this aromatic tea that promises to be quite soothing.

Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Pot (medium size)
4. Measuring cup
5. Fine mesh sieve
6. Teapot or large heatproof jug
7. Spoon

FAQ

• Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?Indeed, you can use dried lemongrass as a substitute. For every stalk of fresh lemongrass called for, use approximately 1 tablespoon of this herb in its desiccated form.
• How should I prepare the lemongrass for this tea?Peel off the outer layers of the stems, and then pound or chop the inner stems to free their flavors.
• What are some variations I can try?Other herbs, such as mint or basil, may be added for flavor. The amounts of ginger and cinnamon can be increased if a spicier tea is desired.
• Can I drink this tea cold?Certainly! Following the preparation of the tea, allow it to cool and then place it in the refrigerator to enjoy as a revitalizing iced tea.
• Is lemongrass tea good for health?Lemongrass tea is respected for its possible health benefits. These include assisting digestion and providing antioxidants.
• How long can I store the leftover tea?An airtight container stored in a refrigerator is the best way to keep tea fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I skip the sweetener?The sweetener is absolutely optional. You can enjoy lemongrass tea without it, allowing you to appreciate the true, unmasked nature of this herbal infusion.

Substitutions and Variations

Dried lemongrass or lemongrass tea bags can be used instead of fresh lemongrass.
Honey or other sweeteners can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
You can use a pinch of ground ginger if fresh ginger is not available.
Instead of a stick of cinnamon, use a small spice that’s pungent enough to infuse the milk with its flavor, such as a piece of star anise or a few cloves.
Lime slices can take the place of lemon slices for an alternative citrus flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Lemongrass Flavor When preparing the lemongrass stalks, ensure they are adequately smashed. This action releases more of the natural oils, enhancing the lemongrass flavor in the tea.

2. Enhance with Herbal Notes Consider adding a couple of fresh mint leaves during the simmering process for an added refreshing herbal note. This pairs well with the lemongrass and can invigorate the tea’s overall taste.

3. Balance Sweetness Start with a small amount of honey or sweetener, as both ginger and cinnamon can impart sweetness. You can always add more sweetener later, but it’s challenging to correct over-sweetening.

4. Infusion Time Consideration If you enjoy a stronger flavor, consider letting the lemongrass tea steep for an additional 5 minutes off the heat before straining. This will intensify the flavors without risking bitterness.

5. Lemon Peel Twist Use a vegetable peeler to take thin strips of lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith, and add them to the simmering pot for a more zesty infusion. This can create a beautiful aroma and complement the lemongrass and ginger.