How to Make Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea is a bright, citrusy herbal infusion made from the stalks and leaves of Cymbopogon citratus.
This guide shows how to make lemongrass tea at home and explains the small details that change the flavor, aroma, and strength of each cup.
Whether you use fresh lemongrass or dried tea cuttings, the brewing method is simple, but the results can be surprisingly nuanced.
A few minutes of preparation can turn an ordinary herbal drink into a fragrant tea with a clean finish and a naturally refreshing taste.
What Is Lemongrass Tea?
Lemongrass tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made by steeping lemongrass in hot water.
It is popular in Southeast Asian cooking and widely used in traditional beverage culture across Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.
The flavor is often described as lemony, grassy, mildly sweet, and crisp, though it does not taste like actual lemon juice.
The aroma comes from natural plant compounds such as citral, which give lemongrass its distinctive scent.
Ingredients You Need
You can make a good cup of lemongrass tea with very few ingredients.
The key choice is whether to use fresh stalks or dried lemongrass.
- Fresh lemongrass: 1 to 2 stalks per cup, washed and trimmed
- Dried lemongrass: 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup
- Water: Filtered water improves flavor clarity
- Optional sweetener: Honey, agave, or sugar
- Optional additions: Ginger, mint, cinnamon, or lemon
Fresh lemongrass usually gives the cleanest and brightest flavor.
Dried lemongrass is convenient and still produces a pleasant tea, especially when stored properly in an airtight container away from light and moisture.
How to Make Lemongrass Tea with Fresh Lemongrass
Fresh lemongrass tea has a more vibrant aroma and is the preferred method for many home cooks.
The stalks contain the most flavor near the lower, pale portion, so proper preparation matters.
Step-by-step method
- Trim the root end and remove the tough outer layers.
- Wash the stalks well to remove dirt.
- Slice the pale lower stalk into small pieces or bruise it with the back of a knife.
- Bring water to a boil, then add the lemongrass.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it steep for another 5 minutes.
- Strain into a cup and sweeten if desired.
For a stronger tea, gently crush the stalk before simmering.
Crushing helps release more aromatic oils into the water.
If you prefer a lighter brew, steep the stalks without long simmering to keep the flavor delicate.
How to Make Lemongrass Tea with Dried Lemongrass
Dried lemongrass works well when fresh stalks are not available.
It is often sold in loose-leaf form, tea bags, or blended herbal mixes.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lemongrass to a tea infuser or teapot.
- Pour 1 cup of just-boiled water over the herbs.
- Cover and steep for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm.
Dried lemongrass usually brews faster than fresh stalks because the plant material is smaller and more exposed.
If the tea tastes weak, increase the amount slightly rather than steeping for a very long time, which can make it taste flat or woody.
Best Water Temperature and Steeping Time
Water temperature affects extraction, especially with herbal teas.
Lemongrass can handle hot water well, and near-boiling water helps draw out its flavor compounds.
- Fresh lemongrass: Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, then steep briefly
- Dried lemongrass: Steep 5 to 8 minutes in near-boiling water
- Stronger flavor: Use more plant material, not only a longer steep
If you brew it too long, lemongrass tea can lose its brightness and become more herbal and muted.
For most people, a balanced cup comes from moderate heat, covered steeping, and proper straining.
How to Improve the Flavor
Lemongrass tea is versatile and pairs well with several ingredients.
These additions can soften the herbal edge, add sweetness, or create a more complex cup.
- Ginger: Adds warmth and a gentle spicy finish
- Mint: Creates a cooler, more refreshing drink
- Honey: Brings out the tea’s natural sweetness
- Lemon slice: Adds sharper citrus notes
- Cinnamon stick: Gives a deeper, spiced flavor
For a Thai-inspired version, combine lemongrass with ginger and a little honey.
For a lighter afternoon tea, pair it with mint and serve it chilled over ice.
Can You Drink Lemongrass Tea Cold?
Yes.
Lemongrass tea makes an excellent iced herbal tea because its citrus profile stays refreshing when chilled.
Brew it slightly stronger than usual so the flavor does not fade when ice is added.
To make iced lemongrass tea, prepare the tea as normal, allow it to cool, then refrigerate it.
Serve over ice with mint leaves or a thin slice of lemon.
This method is especially useful for warm weather or for making a large batch ahead of time.
Health and Wellness Notes
Lemongrass tea is naturally caffeine-free and commonly chosen as a soothing evening drink.
It is often enjoyed for its pleasant flavor and hydrating qualities, and some people use it as part of a daily herbal routine.
As with any herbal tea, moderation is sensible.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a medical condition, ask a qualified healthcare professional before drinking large amounts regularly.
Lemongrass can affect different people differently, especially in concentrated forms.
How to Store Lemongrass for Tea
Good storage helps preserve flavor and reduces waste.
Fresh stalks and dried lemongrass need different handling.
Fresh lemongrass storage
- Wrap stalks in a damp paper towel
- Place them in a resealable bag
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze chopped stalks for longer storage
Dried lemongrass storage
- Keep in an airtight jar or container
- Store in a cool, dark cabinet
- Avoid moisture and direct sunlight
- Use within several months for best aroma
When lemongrass loses its fragrance, the tea will taste weaker even if it still looks usable.
A strong aroma is usually a good sign of fresh flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using only the tough green tops: The pale lower stalk has the best flavor
- Skipping bruising or slicing: Whole stalks release less flavor
- Oversteeping for too long: This can dull the taste
- Using too little herb: Weak tea often comes from undermeasuring
- Not covering the cup or pot: Covering helps trap aroma while steeping
If your first batch tastes mild, adjust the herb-to-water ratio before changing the steeping time.
That is usually the fastest way to improve the tea.
Serving Ideas for Everyday Use
Lemongrass tea works well at breakfast, after meals, or in the evening as a caffeine-free alternative to black tea or coffee.
It also pairs nicely with light foods such as rice dishes, fruit, baked goods, and savory snacks.
- Serve warm in a mug with honey
- Serve iced with mint and citrus
- Combine with green tea for a milder blended drink
- Use as a base for herbal mocktails
If you want a tea that feels simple but still tastes distinctive, lemongrass is one of the easiest herbs to brew well at home.
