Learn how to make Thai lemongrass tea (น้ำตะไคร้), a simple Thai drink with an invigorating citrusy flavor and abundant health benefits. This lemongrass and ginger tea is a delightful addition to your repertoire, whether savor it hot on a chilly day or relish it over ice during the scorching summer months. Using only 4 ingredients!
Learn more about the different uses of lemongrass and how it's used in Thai cooking here. Use my easy brown sugar simple syrup as a sweetener to add to your lemongrass ginger tea. It adds a depth of sweet caramelized flavor to your tea.
This herbal lemongrass with ginger tea offers a refreshing and soothing experience for your taste buds and well-being.
For more tea recipes, make these delightful recipes: butterfly blue tea, hibiscus tea, 10-minute tamarind tea, Thai tea limeade, and Thai iced tea.
Jump to:
- Why you'll love this lemongrass ginger tea
- What is Thai Lemongrass Tea?
- Lemongrass Tea Benefits
- Ingredients for Fresh Lemongrass Ginger Tea recipe
- How to Make Lemongrass Tea
- Customize Your Lemongrass Ginger Tea
- Helpful Kitchen Notes and Tips
- Helpful Kitchen Tools for making Thai lemongrass drink
- What to Serve With Lemongrass Ginger Tea
- Variations
- Substitutes
- Storing your leftover lemongrass drink
- Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- More Easy Recipes You'll Love
- How to Make Thai Lemongrass Tea
- Related Recipes
- Pairing
Why you'll love this lemongrass ginger tea
- Invigorating Flavor: Lemongrass tea offers a zesty and citrusy flavor profile that awakens your senses and tantalizes your taste buds.
- Health Benefits Galore: This herbal infusion is not just delicious; it also brings many health benefits, from improving digestion to boosting your immune system.
- Easy and Quick: Making a lemongrass tea recipe is a breeze. This simple lemongrass tea recipe has minimal ingredients and short cooking time. You'll be sipping on a soothing cup of goodness in no time.
- Versatile Brew: Enjoy it hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened – lemongrass tea can be customized to suit your preferences.
- Adaptable ingredients. You can omit the ginger, add pandan leaves, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, or any of your favorite herbs.
What is Thai Lemongrass Tea?
Lemongrass tea, also known as "Nam Ta Krai" ( น้ำตะไคร) or lemongrass tea drink (ชาน้ำตะไคร้)in Thai, is a fragrant and revitalizing herbal tea made from the fresh or dried leaves of the lemongrass plant. Its citrusy aroma and distinct lemony notes make it a delightful beverage in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia.
Lemongrass Tea Benefits
- Lemongrass tea is a perfect tea to have when you have an upset stomach. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe any digestive discomfort.
- One of the great ways lemongrass tea benefits your body is by providing a good dose of Vitamin C. This vitamin is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and boosts your immune system.
- Additionally, lemongrass tea can help improve your oral health. It has been found to have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth in your mouth.
- Drinking lemongrass tea regularly can also be beneficial for your blood. It helps increase the red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration, important for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
- Furthermore, lemongrass tea can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for those with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar.
- If you suffer from fungal infections, lemongrass tea might be just what you need. It has natural antifungal properties that can help combat yeast infections and other fungal overgrowth.
- Overall, lemongrass tea is a healthy choice for your overall health. It can help improve red blood cell levels, boost your immune system, and even relieve various infections.
- If you're not a fan of drinking tea, you can also benefit from lemongrass essential oil. It can be used topically to promote hair follicle health, enhance cell volume, and even treat yeast infections.
- So, no matter the time of the year, don't forget to include lemongrass tea or essential oil in your wellness routine. Enjoy its many health benefits and care for your body from the inside out.
Read more about lemongrass tea benefits here.
Ingredients for Fresh Lemongrass Ginger Tea recipe
To prepare a refreshing cup of lemongrass tea, gather these essential ingredients:
- Fresh lemongrass stalks: The star of the show, providing that zesty flavor and wonderful aroma.
- Fresh ginger root: For a hint of warmth and spice.
- Sugar: Choose from brown sugar, maple syrup, or even a touch of honey to enhance the sweetness.
- Hot water: The main element for brewing the perfect cup.
- Optional: Pandan leaves, Lemon peel, kaffir leaves, or galangal.
How to Make Lemongrass Tea
Sip Your Way to Health with Lemongrass Tea in 2 versions- Serve it as iced or hot tea, depending on your mood! Follow these simple steps to brew your tasty Thai lemongrass tea.
Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass and ginger. Start by washing and chopping the fresh lemongrass stalks into smaller pieces, around 4-5 inch pieces. Smash the stalks with heavy kitchen objects like the back of a knife, a pestle, a meat tenderizer, or a roller for baking to help release their aromatic oils. Save the lemongrass leaves for garnishing at the end.
Step 2: Add Lemongrass and ginger. Add lemongrass, ginger, and sugar to a stockpot. Then, pour water into the pot. Set it on the stove for brewing next.
Step 3: Boil the Water. On high heat, bring the pot of water to a rolling boil. You'll need around 5 cups of water for a strong brew. Let the tea simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld longer if you prefer a strong-tasting tea.
Step 4: Strain the tea. After simmering, turn the heat off and strain the tea over a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or a heat-safe container to allow the tea to cool. Discard the solids.
Step 5: Enjoy Hot or Iced.
Hot lemongrass ginger tea. Sip your Thai lemongrass tea while it's hot for a comforting and soothing experience. It's cozy and a great way to warm up during cold winter months.
Or drink it cold.
Iced Thai lemongrass drink: Let the tea cool to room temperature for an iced version. After the tea has cooled off, pour the strained tea into serving glasses with ice, garnish, and enjoy a refreshing iced drink. Refrigerate any leftover tea.
Customize Your Lemongrass Ginger Tea
- Sweeten your tea with brown sugar, maple syrup, or sweetener.
- Garnish with your favorite herbs, spices, or edible flowers.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for an extra citrusy kick and a lemony aroma.
- Enhance your lemongrass tea with mint leaves or a cinnamon stick for an extra layer of flavor.
Helpful Kitchen Notes and Tips
- Freeze your leftover lemongrass tea in ice cube trays for an even more enjoyable drink. Add ½ cup of lemonade or lime juice and allow the ice cubes to melt before enjoying it!
- Leave the lemongrass as the main ingredient, but use different available ingredients.
- Lemongrass tea can also be made using tea bags or loose tea leaves with lemongrass extract.
- Let the lemongrass and ginger steep in hot water for 10 minutes or longer to maximize the health benefits.
- If you're using dried lemongrass, double up on the quantity, as dried lemongrass is not as potent or fresh in flavor.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for making Thai lemongrass drink
- A small pot for simmering the ingredients.
- A strainer to remove the lemongrass and ginger pieces.
- Fun tall tea square glasses (as shown in photos)
What to Serve With Lemongrass Ginger Tea
Lemongrass iced tea pairs wonderfully with light and flavorful dishes. Try it alongside spicy dishes like som tum Thai (green papaya salad), Lao green bean salad or a hearty bowl of chicken green curry.
Variations
To customize the sweetness level, experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. You can add a unique twist or a star anise or cinnamon stick.
Substitutes
If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, you can use dried or lemongrass tea bags as a convenient alternative.
Storing your leftover lemongrass drink
Lemongrass tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Top Tip
For a stronger brew, use more lemongrass and let it simmer a bit longer. This will infuse your tea with an intense citrus flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Lemongrass tea offers a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immune system, and potential weight loss support.
Yes, lemongrass tea is known for its diuretic effects, helping flush toxins and reduce water retention.
Some studies suggest that lemongrass tea may contribute to lower blood pressure levels.
Lemongrass tea is believed to aid weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting fat loss.
The antioxidants in lemongrass tea may contribute to heart health by reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall cardiovascular well-being.
Lemongrass is a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine, adding its unique citrus flavor to dishes like Tom Yum soup and green curry.
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How to Make Thai Lemongrass Tea
- Total Time: 13
- Yield: 5 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make Thai lemongrass tea (น้ำตะไคร), a simple Thai drink with an invigorating citrusy flavor and abundant health benefits. This lemongrass and ginger tea is a delightful addition to your repertoire, whether savor it hot on a chilly day or relish it over ice during the scorching summer months. Only 4 ingredients needed!
Ingredients
- 4 large stalks of lemongrass, cut into 4-inch pieces and bruised with the back of a kitchen knife.
- 2 knobs of ginger, roughly bruised, using the back of a knife
- ¼ cup sugar. Use more or less as desired.
- 5 cups water
Instructions
Sip Your Way to Health with Lemongrass Tea in 2 versions- Serve it as iced or hot tea, depending on your mood! Follow these simple steps to brew your tasty Thai lemongrass tea.
- Prepare the Lemongrass and ginger. Start by washing and chopping the fresh lemongrass stalks into smaller pieces, around 4-5 inch pieces. Smash the stalks with heavy kitchen objects like the back of a knife, a pestle, a meat tenderizer, or a roller for baking to help release their aromatic oils. Save the lemongrass leaves for garnishing at the end.
- Add Lemongrass and ginger. Add lemongrass, ginger, and sugar to a stockpot. Then, pour water into the pot. Set it on the stove for brewing next.
- Boil the Water. On high heat, bring the pot of water to a rolling boil. You'll need around 5 cups of water for a strong brew. Let the tea simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld longer if you prefer a strong-tasting tea.
- Strain the tea. After simmering, turn the heat off and strain the tea over a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or a heat-safe container to allow the tea to cool. Discard the solids.
- Enjoy Hot or Iced.
1. For hot lemongrass ginger tea. Sip your Thai lemongrass tea while it's hot for a comforting and soothing experience. It's cozy and a great way to warm up during winter.
2. For an Iced Thai lemongrass drink. Let the tea cool to room temperature for an iced version. After the tea has cooled off, pour the strained tea into serving glasses with ice, garnish, and enjoy a refreshing iced drink. Refrigerate any leftover tea.
Garnishing options:
- Sweeten your tea with brown sugar, maple syrup, or sweetener.
- Garnish with your favorite herbs, spices, or edible flowers.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for an extra citrusy kick and a lemony aroma.
- Enhance your lemongrass tea with mint leaves or a cinnamon stick for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Freeze your leftover lemongrass tea in ice cube trays for an even more enjoyable drink. Add ½ cup of lemonade or lime juice and allow the ice cubes to melt before enjoying it!
- Leave the lemongrass as the main ingredient, but use different available ingredients.
- Lemongrass tea can also be made using tea bags or loose tea leaves with lemongrass extract.
- Let the lemongrass and ginger steep in hot water for 10 minutes or longer to maximize the health benefits.
- If you're using dried lemongrass, double up on the quantity, as dried lemongrass is not as potent or fresh in flavor.
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- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: drinks
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Mike says
Perfect for Texas weather. So refreshing.
Grace says
This drink was fun to make. It helps increase my water intake.
Ong says
I like lemongrass drink. look nice. Thank you for sharing.