This Lemongrass Iced Tea recipe is so aromatic and brightens your senses, mood, and is perfect for sunny days. It’s like spa-time in a glass. Whether you’re hosting an Asian-inspired brunch, planning a wellness afternoon, or just craving something cool and naturally energizing, tea with lemongrass is your sunny-day hero.
Table of contents
I often use lemongrass and part of that is knowing how to use lemongrass to get the full aromatic and flavor experience. There really are not too many substitutes for lemongrass, and so with that said, I love the unique flavor and feel it gives. Especially when it’s a hot day, lemongrass tea brings me to an island (in my mind, teehee) and it feels really close to home for me.
Why You’ll Love Lemongrass Iced Tea
- Bright & Citrusy: Lemongrass offers a lemony zing with subtle floral and minty undertones.
- Detox-Friendly: Lemongrass is known for its antioxidant and digestive benefits.
- Aromatic & Uplifting: Just the smell will lift your mood—no diffuser required! It’s quite addictive to smell the tea each time before sipping.
Who Drinks Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass isn’t just a trendy wellness ingredient—it’s a staple ingredient found rooted in Southeast Asian traditions, especially in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. It’s been used for centuries not only in cuisine, but also in herbal medicine and tea rituals.
- In Thailand, it’s common to see lemongrass tea served both hot and cold at spas, restaurants, and street food stalls—often infused with pandan leaves or ginger.
- In Vietnam, lemongrass is a beloved aromatic in everything from grilled chicken to tea infusions.
- In the Philippines, lemongrass (locally called tanglad) is steeped and served to soothe digestion, calm the body, and promote wellness.
- Across the Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine systems, lemongrass is revered for its ability to balance the body, fight fatigue, and aid in circulation.
- In Indonesia, it goes well with rich and comforting dishes like mie ayam (Indo chicken noodles).
Today, lemongrass tea has transcended borders—becoming a favorite in modern wellness cafes, yoga studios, and even high-end restaurants.
No matter where you’re sipping it, this tea with lemongrass will transport your tastebuds on a sunny global getaway.
Ingredients
You can make tea with lemongrass both hot or cold, caffeinated or non-caffeinated. Simply substitute the caffeine for non-caffeine. You can choose sweet or unsweetened as well. For 4 servings of chilled lemongrass iced tea:
Main Ingredients
- 7 cups water
- 5 fresh lemongrass stalks (the white fleshy part of the bulb) – or 3 tablespoons dried lemongrass
- 3 tablespoons honey, agave, or coconut sugar (optional)
- 2 bags black iced tea cold brew – or brew a strong cup of Assam black tea
- Ice cubes
- lime wedges (optional for extra zest)
Optional Aromatic Add-Ins:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Thin slices of ginger
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – To simmer the lemongrass and infuse the flavors into the water.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For trimming lemongrass stalks.
- Mortar and Pestle – To gently smash the aromatic bulb ends of the lemongrass stalks.
- Fine Mesh Strainer – To remove the lemongrass pieces and any add-ins before chilling.
- Large Pitcher or Big Mason Jars – For storing the brewed tea in the fridge.
- Ice Tea Glasses – Preferably clear ones to show off your beautiful iced tea.
- Ice Cube Tray – For freezing extra tea or keeping your drink icy-cold without diluting the tea.
- Optional: Tea Infuser or Reusable Steeping Bag – If using dried lemongrass, fresh tea leaves, or adding other herbs.
Instructions How to make Lemongrass Iced Tea
Prep the Lemongrass
- Trim roots and peel off dry outer layers of fresh stalks.
- Smash the white part (flexible and fleshy bulb area at the bottom of the stalks) to release essential oils.
- Cut into 2-inch pieces.
Boil & Infuse
- Bring water to a boil, add lemongrass.
- Simmer for 10 minutes for full flavor.
- Remove from heat and steep for ten minutes.
- Add the iced tea bags or brewed black iced tea.
Sweeten & Chill
- Strain into a big pitcher.
- Stir in your sweetener. If the sweetener is pure granulated sugar, you can dissolve it in some hot water and then add it in.
- Let cool, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Serve Over Ice
- Pour into glasses over ice.
- Garnish with a lemongrass stalk, lime wedges, or mint sprigs.
Add Ins and Variations
Customize your iced tea with regional or creative twists:
- add ginger slices
- squeeze in lime wedges
- try with coconut water
- matcha green tea is an energizing and earthy variation
- make jasmine tea jelly and cut some up to add it to your drink
- Hibiscus gives a fruity floral flavor addition and gorgeous red hue
Pair It With: Asian-Inspired Brunch Bites
Lemongrass iced tea makes a refreshing companion to light and flavorful brunch foods. Try it with:
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze into cubes for blending into smoothies or iced drinks.
- Store extra lemongrass in the freezer for quick use.
Infused with Asian flavor, this lemongrass iced tea recipe is ideal for sunny days and loved for its aroma and rejuvenating feel when drinking it.
Did you try it? Please leave a comment, stars, pin it, or share. Thank you for the love!
Lemongrass Iced Tea Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Knife and cutting board
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Large Pitcher
- Ice Tea Glasses
- Ice Cube Tray optional – For freezing extra tea or keeping your drink icy-cold without diluting the tea.
- Tea Infuser or Reusable Steeping Bag optional – If using dried lemongrass or fresh tea leaves.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7 cups water
- 5 fresh lemongrass stalks the white fleshy part of the bulb – or 3 tablespoons dried lemongrass
- 3 tablespoons honey agave, or coconut sugar (optional)
- 2 bags black iced tea cold brew or brew a strong cup of Assam black tea
- Ice cubes
- lime wedges optional for extra zest
Optional Aromatic Add-Ins:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Thin slices of ginger
Instructions
Prep the Lemongrass
- Trim roots and peel off dry outer layers of fresh stalks.5 fresh lemongrass stalks
- Smash the white part (flexible and fleshy bulb area at the bottom of the stalks) to release essential oils.
- Cut into 2-inch pieces.
Boil & Infuse
- Bring water to a boil, add lemongrass.7 cups water
- Simmer for 10 minutes for full flavor.Remove from heat and steep for ten minutes.Add the iced tea bags or brewed black iced tea.2 bags black iced tea cold brew
Sweeten & Chill
- Strain into a big pitcher. Stir in your sweetener. If the sweetener is pure granulated sugar, you can dissolve it in some hot water and then add it in.3 tablespoons honey
- Let cool, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Serve Over Ice
- Pour into glasses over ice. Garnish with a lemongrass stalk, lime wedges, or mint sprigs.Ice cubes, lime wedges, Fresh mint leaves, Thin slices of ginger
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