Refreshing Lemongrass Lemon Tea

Ingredients

• 2-3 stalks Fresh lemongrass stalks (Trim ends, bruise, cut into 2‑3 inch pieces)
• 2 cups Water (Approximately 473 ml)
• 2-3 pieces Lemons (Juiced (about 3 Tbsp))
• 1-2 Tbsp Granulated sugar (Adjust to taste)
• 5-6 sprigs Fresh mint leaves (Optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare lemongrass

   Trim the woody ends off the lemongrass stalks, bruise them by gently crushing with the back of a knife, then cut into 2‑3 inch pieces.

   Time: PT3M

2. Simmer lemongrass in water

   Add the prepared lemongrass pieces and 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 100°C

3. Juice the lemons

   While the tea simmers, roll the lemons on the countertop, cut them in half, and squeeze to extract about 3 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice.

   Time: PT3M

4. Cool the infusion

   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the lemongrass tea sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.

   Time: PT5M

5. Strain the tea

   Pour the tea through a fine‑mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding the lemongrass pieces.

   Time: PT2M

6. Add lemon juice and sweetener

   Stir in the fresh lemon juice and 1‑2 Tbsp of sugar (or preferred sweetener) until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

   Time: PT2M

7. Chill and serve

   Refrigerate the tea until cold (about 5 minutes) or serve over ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 4°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories

63

Protein

0 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

0 g

Fiber

0 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Fresh lemongrass stalks: Dried lemongrass, Lemongrass tea bags
• Instead of Lemons: Lime juice
• Instead of Granulated sugar: Honey, Agave syrup, Stevia
• Instead of Fresh mint leaves: Basil leaves, Thai basil

Equipment Needed

• Saucepan or small pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cup
• Fine‑mesh strainer
• Pitcher or heat‑proof container
• Spoon or stirrer
• Refrigerator (optional for chilling) (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Simmer lemongrass in water for 15 minutes to extract flavor
• Add lemon juice and sweetener while the tea is still warm to ensure proper dissolution

Chef Tips from the Video

• Bruise lemongrass before simmering for maximum aroma
• For a healthier sweetener, substitute honey or agave syrup
• Add a slice of ginger during simmering for a spicy twist

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days

Freezer: Not recommended due to lemon juice separation

Room temperature: Can keep at room temperature for up to 4 hours if covered

Make-Ahead Tips

• Brew the lemongrass infusion a day ahead and keep refrigerated; add lemon juice and sweetener just before serving
• Prepare mint garnish in advance and store in a damp paper towel