Lemongrass Tea Recipe – Authentic Indian Herbal Infusion

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Lemongrass Tea Recipe – Authentic Indian Herbal Infusion

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful drink that’s also good for you. I stumbled upon this lemongrass tea years ago while visiting my grandmother, and it’s been a go-to ever since. It’s incredibly refreshing, wonderfully aromatic, and surprisingly easy to make. Let me share my family’s recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any tea; it’s a little slice of Indian wellness in a cup. Lemongrass tea, or ghas ki chai as some call it, is a traditional herbal infusion enjoyed across India, especially during the monsoon and summer months. It’s naturally caffeine-free, incredibly soothing, and has a bright, citrusy flavor that’s just… delightful. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to boost your immunity!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to brew up a perfect cup:

• 1 teaspoon Tea powder (around 2-3 grams)
• 1 cup Water (240ml)
• 1 Fresh lemongrass stalk
• 2 teaspoons Sugar (or to taste – about 8-10 grams)
• Whole Lemon (for a squeeze of juice)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – getting these right makes all the difference!

Lemongrass: Sourcing & Freshness

Fresh lemongrass is key here. Look for stalks that are firm, plump, and have a vibrant green color. Avoid stalks that are dry or have brown spots. You can usually find it at Asian grocery stores or even some well-stocked supermarkets.

Tea Powder: Types & Regional Preferences

I usually use a strong Assam tea powder for this, as it holds up well to the lemongrass flavor. But feel free to experiment! Darjeeling or even a good quality CTC tea will work beautifully. In South India, people sometimes use a blend with a bit of ginger.

Lemon: Varieties & Juice vs. Zest

Any lemon variety will do – Eureka, Lisbon, or even a local Indian variety. I prefer a squeeze of fresh juice, but a tiny bit of zest can add a lovely aromatic boost. Just be careful not to overdo it, as lemon zest can be quite potent!

Sugar: Alternatives & Sweetness Levels

White sugar is traditional, but you can absolutely use alternatives like honey, jaggery, or even stevia. Adjust the amount to your liking – I like mine slightly sweet, but you can make it as sweet (or not!) as you prefer.

Water Quality: Impact on Tea Flavor

Believe it or not, the water you use matters! Filtered water is best, as it doesn’t have any chlorine or other impurities that can affect the tea’s flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, wash the lemongrass stalk thoroughly. Then, give it a good chop – about 4-5 inches is perfect. Now, here’s a little trick my grandmother taught me: lightly crush the lemongrass with the flat side of a knife or a mortar and pestle. This releases all those wonderful aromatic oils.
2. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tea powder and let it simmer for just one minute. Don’t over-simmer, or the tea will become bitter!
3. Now, add the crushed lemongrass to the tea. Immediately turn off the heat. This is important – we want to infuse the flavor, not cook it.
4. Cover the saucepan and let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes. This allows the lemongrass flavor to fully develop.
5. Finally, strain the tea into your favorite cup. Stir in the sugar until dissolved, and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Enjoy it hot, or chill it over ice for a refreshing summer treat!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years…

Crushing Lemongrass for Maximum Flavor

Seriously, don’t skip the crushing step! It makes a huge difference in how much flavor you get.

Steeping Time: Adjusting for Strength

Want a stronger lemongrass flavor? Steep for a bit longer – up to 5 minutes. But keep an eye on it, as it can become bitter if steeped for too long.

Avoiding Bitter Tea: The Simmering Secret

The one-minute simmer is crucial. Any longer, and you’ll end up with a bitter brew. Trust me on this one!

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Lemongrass Tea

Easy peasy! Just use your favorite vegan sweetener instead of sugar. Maple syrup or agave nectar work beautifully.

Spice Level: Adding Ginger or Black Pepper

My friend, Priya, loves to add a small piece of grated ginger or a pinch of black pepper to her lemongrass tea. It adds a lovely warmth and a little kick!

Festival Adaptations: Monsoon Season Refreshment

During the monsoon, my family loves to make a larger batch of this tea and serve it with pakoras (Indian fritters). It’s the perfect cozy comfort food.

Iced Lemongrass Tea: A Summer Cooler

This is my go-to on a hot day! Just brew the tea as usual, let it cool completely, and then pour it over ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint for extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This tea is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs well with light snacks like biscuits, namak pare (savory crackers), or even a small piece of fruit.

Storage Instructions

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover lemongrass tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavor may diminish slightly, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of lemongrass tea?

Lemongrass is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also believed to aid digestion, boost immunity, and even help relieve stress.

Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. If using dried lemongrass, use about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of water.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the tea?

Start with 2 teaspoons of sugar and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

What type of tea powder works best for lemongrass tea?

Assam tea powder is my personal favorite, but Darjeeling or CTC tea will also work well.

Can this tea be made ahead of time?

You can brew the tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the most vibrant flavor.