Lemongrass Tea Recipe – A Refreshing, Naturally Caffeine-Free Herbal Drink You’ll Want Every Day

Fresh, citrusy, soothing, and incredibly easy to make—this homemade Lemongrass Tea is the perfect drink to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a comforting warm beverage or a refreshing iced tea, this simple recipe delivers bright flavors and a delightful aroma in every sip.

Introduction: A Cup of Comfort in Every Sip

There’s something magical about wrapping your hands around a warm mug of freshly brewed lemongrass tea. As the steam rises, it carries a vibrant citrus fragrance that instantly brightens your mood and transforms an ordinary moment into a peaceful ritual.

I still remember the first time I tasted homemade lemongrass tea after a long, exhausting day. The fresh herbal aroma filled the kitchen while the golden infusion slowly steeped on the stove. One sip delivered a delicate balance of lemony brightness and gentle sweetness without the sharp acidity of actual lemons. It felt refreshing, calming, and wonderfully comforting all at once.

Today, this simple herbal tea has become one of my favorite homemade drinks. Whether served steaming hot on chilly mornings or poured over ice during summer afternoons, lemongrass tea is naturally refreshing, incredibly aromatic, and surprisingly easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.

If you’ve never made fresh lemongrass tea at home, you’re in for a delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this homemade lemongrass tea deserves a place in your daily routine.

✓ Ready in just 15 minutes
✓ Naturally caffeine-free
✓ Bright, refreshing citrus flavor
✓ Made with simple ingredients
✓ Budget-friendly recipe
✓ Naturally vegan
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Low in calories
✓ Perfect hot or iced
✓ Great for meal prep
✓ Naturally fragrant without artificial flavors
✓ Easy enough for beginners
✓ Delicious all year round
✓ Customizable with herbs and spices
✓ A beautiful drink for entertaining guests

Ingredients (With Exact Measurements)

Makes: 4 servings

Main Ingredients

40 g fresh lemongrass stalks (about 2 large stalks / 1.4 oz)
1 liter (4 cups / 34 fl oz) water
15 g honey (1 tablespoon / 0.5 oz), optional
10 g fresh ginger, sliced (1 tablespoon / 0.35 oz), optional
5 g fresh mint leaves (¼ cup loosely packed / 0.18 oz), optional
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (5 ml), optional

Optional Garnishes

Lemon slices
Fresh mint sprigs
Ice cubes (for iced tea)
Thin ginger slices

Healthy Ingredient Substitutes

Want to customize your tea? Here are a few easy swaps:

Honey → Maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
Fresh lemongrass → Dried lemongrass (use 2 tablespoons or about 10 g).
Fresh ginger → Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon).
Lemon juice → Lime juice for a slightly different citrus note.
Mint → Fresh basil for a fragrant herbal twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values for one serving (without optional sweetener):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	8 kcal
Protein	0.2 g
Carbohydrates	2 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	5 mg
Potassium	35 mg
Vitamin C	Small amount
Antioxidants	Naturally present in lemongrass

Dietary Information

✔ Vegan (without honey)
✔ Vegetarian
✔ Gluten-Free
✔ Dairy-Free
✔ Keto-Friendly (without sweeteners)
✔ Paleo-Friendly
✔ Naturally Caffeine-Free
✔ Low-Calorie

Kitchen Tools Needed

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools:

Medium saucepan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Fine mesh strainer
Heatproof teapot or pitcher
Wooden spoon
Tea mugs or glasses
Ice cube tray (for iced tea)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass

Wash the lemongrass stalks thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt.

Trim away the dry tops and remove the tough outer layers.

Cut the stalks into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces and gently crush them using the back of a knife. This helps release their fragrant essential oils for maximum flavor.

Pro Tip: Fresh, pale-yellow stalks offer the best aroma and taste.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Simmer

Pour 4 cups (1 liter) of water into a saucepan.

Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle simmer (about 195–205°F / 90–96°C).

Avoid a vigorous boil, as it can diminish the tea’s delicate aroma.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Add the crushed lemongrass to the simmering water.

If using fresh ginger, add the sliced ginger now.

Reduce the heat to low.

Step 4: Simmer Gently

Allow the tea to simmer for 8–10 minutes.

As it brews, your kitchen will fill with a wonderfully fresh citrus fragrance.

The liquid will turn a pale golden color.

Step 5: Steep for More Flavor

Turn off the heat.

Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the tea steep for an additional 5 minutes.

This extra steeping time creates a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

Step 6: Strain the Tea

Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or heatproof pitcher.

Discard the lemongrass pieces and ginger slices.

The finished tea should be clear, lightly golden, and fragrant.

Step 7: Sweeten (Optional)

If desired, stir in the honey while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.

Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

For hot tea, pour into mugs and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.

For iced tea, let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve over plenty of ice with fresh mint and lemon slices.

Expert Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple herbal tea can be elevated with a few expert techniques.

Choose Fresh Lemongrass

Fresh stalks provide the brightest citrus flavor. Look for firm stalks with pale green or yellow bases and avoid those that are dried out or brown.

Crush Before Brewing

Lightly bruising the stalks helps release their natural oils, giving your tea a fuller aroma and richer flavor.

Don’t Overboil

A gentle simmer is all you need. High heat can make the tea taste harsher and reduce its delicate fragrance.

Steep with the Lid On

Keeping the pot covered helps trap the aromatic compounds that give lemongrass tea its signature scent.

Sweeten After Brewing

Adding honey or other sweeteners after removing the tea from the heat preserves their flavor and allows you to adjust sweetness more precisely.

Avoid Over-Steeping

Leaving the lemongrass in the tea for too long may produce a stronger herbal flavor than desired. Strain it after the recommended steeping time for the best balance.

Variations & Customizations

Spicy Version

Love a little warmth? Add:

15 g (1 tablespoon) sliced fresh ginger
A pinch of cayenne pepper
One small cinnamon stick

These ingredients create a cozy, aromatic tea with a gentle spicy kick.

Healthy Version

Keep it light and naturally refreshing by:

Skipping added sweeteners
Adding fresh mint leaves
Including a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

This version is naturally low in calories and full of vibrant herbal flavor.

Kids-Friendly Version

Children often enjoy a milder, slightly sweeter tea. Try:

Reducing the brewing time to 6–7 minutes for a gentler flavor
Sweetening lightly with honey (for children over one year old)
Serving warm or chilled with colorful fruit slices

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator

Store cooled lemongrass tea in an airtight glass pitcher or bottle.

Shelf Life: Up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the tea in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers.

Shelf Life: Up to 2 months.

Frozen tea cubes are perfect for iced drinks because they keep your beverage cold without diluting the flavor.

Best Reheating Method

Pour the desired amount into a small saucepan and warm over low heat for 3–5 minutes.

Avoid boiling, as it can reduce the fresh herbal aroma.

Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe mug for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Serving Suggestions

Lemongrass tea is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory foods.

Enjoy it alongside:

Fresh fruit salad
Oatmeal or overnight oats
Whole-grain toast with nut butter
Yogurt parfait with berries
Light vegetable sandwiches
Rice paper rolls
Grilled chicken or fish
Thai-inspired dishes
Coconut cookies
Lemon shortbread
Fresh mango slices

For warm weather, serve it over ice with lemon slices and fresh mint for a refreshing afternoon beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?

Yes. Use about 2 tablespoons (10 g) of dried lemongrass in place of two fresh stalks. The flavor will be slightly more concentrated, so adjust the steeping time to taste.

2. Is lemongrass tea naturally caffeine-free?

Yes. Lemongrass tea is naturally free of caffeine, making it suitable to enjoy any time of day.

3. Can I drink it cold?

Absolutely! After brewing, let the tea cool and refrigerate. Serve over ice with lemon slices and mint for a refreshing iced herbal tea.

4. How long does homemade lemongrass tea stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days.

5. Can I add other herbs?

Yes. Mint, basil, rosemary, chamomile, and fresh ginger all pair wonderfully with lemongrass.

6. Do I need to peel the lemongrass?

No. Simply remove the tough outer layers and trim the ends before cutting and crushing the stalks.

7. Can I make a larger batch?

Definitely. Double or triple the ingredients while maintaining the same water-to-lemongrass ratio for consistent flavor.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Lemongrass Tea is one of those simple recipes that proves extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complicated ingredients. With its fresh citrus aroma, delicate herbal notes, and naturally soothing character, it’s a drink you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning, taking an afternoon break, or serving guests a refreshing iced beverage, this tea brings warmth, brightness, and comfort to every occasion.

Try This Recipe Today!

If you loved this homemade Lemongrass Tea recipe, give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Share your favorite variations in the comments, leave a rating to help other readers, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who enjoy fresh, homemade herbal drinks. Happy brewing!