Lemongrass Ginger Tea: Easy Simmered Recipe (Hot or Iced)

Lemongrass ginger tea is a bright, warming drink made by simmering fresh lemongrass and sliced ginger in water for about 10 minutes. The lemongrass brings a soft lemony scent and the ginger adds gentle heat. This recipe makes two mugs, works hot or iced, and uses just a few ingredients.

Why This Combination Works

Lemongrass is citrusy but mild, and fresh ginger is spicy and a little sweet. Together they give you a tea that tastes like lemon and spice without any actual lemon juice or caffeine. It is a good drink to have in place of a sweet afternoon coffee or soda. For the full background on the main ingredient, see our guide to lemongrass tea.

What You Need

• Fresh lemongrass: look for firm, green, fragrant stalks. Avoid ones with dried-out outer leaves, which suggests they have sat for a while. Not sure how to trim them? Follow our guide to how to use lemongrass.
• Fresh ginger: a 1-inch piece, sliced thin. No need to peel if it is well washed.
• Water, and optional honey and lemon.

Lemongrass Ginger Tea

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• Author: Hannah Bell
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 mugs 1x

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Description

A fragrant lemongrass ginger tea made by simmering fresh lemongrass and sliced ginger for 10 minutes. Serve hot, or chill it for an iced version.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 stalks fresh lemongrass
• 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 3 cups (720 ml) water
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
• Lemon slice, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Trim the root end and peel the dry outer layers from the lemongrass stalks. Bruise each stalk with the back of a knife, then slice it into 2-inch pieces.
2. Add the lemongrass, ginger, and water to a small pot and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
4. Strain into two mugs. Stir in honey if you like and add a slice of lemon.

Notes

For a stronger flavor, simmer for 15 minutes. To serve it iced, let it cool, chill it, and pour it over ice. Leftover tea keeps in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition values are for the plain tea without honey, based on USDA data for brewed herbal tea (FDC 173232).

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Simmered
• Cuisine: Thai-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mug (about 1 1/2 cups / 360 ml)
• Calories: 4
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 4mg
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.7g
• Protein: 0g

Keywords: lemongrass ginger tea, ginger lemongrass tea

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Bruise the stalks. Crushing them with the back of a knife releases the oils that carry the aroma.
• Do not boil hard. A gentle simmer gives a smoother flavor than a rolling boil.
• Adjust the ginger. Use less for a softer tea or more if you like a spicier kick.
• Use dried lemongrass in a pinch. One to 3 teaspoons per cup of boiling water, steeped at least 5 minutes, is the ratio Healthline gives for fresh or dried lemongrass.

How to Store Lemongrass and Leftover Tea

If you bought a bunch for one recipe, learn how to keep the rest in our guide to storing and freezing lemongrass. Leftover tea keeps in a covered jar in the fridge, and I would drink it within 2 days.

Who Should Be Careful?

This is a flavorful drink, not a treatment. Healthline advises avoiding lemongrass tea if you are pregnant, take prescription diuretics, have a low heart rate, or have low potassium. If any of that applies to you, or if you take regular medication, check with a healthcare provider before making it a habit. More detail is in our lemongrass tea guide.

Lemongrass Ginger Tea FAQ

Sources

• Healthline: 10 Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass Tea (updated October 2024)
• America’s Test Kitchen: How to Buy, Prep, and Store Lemongrass

Want more herbal ideas? See our guides to types of herbal tea and herbal tea blends at home.