How to Make Té de Limón (Easy Lemongrass Tea Recipe)
Citrusy and soothing, té de limón is a simple, yet powerful infusion made with fresh lemongrass, water, and your favorite sweetener. It’s perfect for digestion and relaxation any time of day.
Té de limón is a drink that takes me back to my childhood! My nina, who happened to live next door to us, always had two things to offer when we’d go visit: cookies and cold lemongrass tea. I always loved her tea and now realize that she has always had a big bushel of lemongrass growing outside in her garden, which is why she was able to make it so often.
While I love drinking water, I like to experiment with different caffeine-free infusions to mix it up from time to time. Té de limón is on my regular rotation because in our home, we love to drink it hot when it’s chilly, and cold once the weather warms up.
WHAT IS TÉ DE LIMÓN?
Homemade te de limon is a soothing, aromatic and caffeine-free drink made out of fresh lemongrass that is steeped to release its citrusy and delicate herbal notes. Its light flavor is perfect to enjoy any time of day!
LEMONGRASS TEA BENEFITS
- Aids digestion: Helps soothe bloating, cramps, and indigestion (I recommend drinking this before and during menstruation).
- Promotes relaxation: Naturally calming, perfect for stress relief.
- Supports immunity: Packed with antioxidants to help fight free radicals.
- Boosts circulation: May help regulate blood pressure and improve circulation.
- Refreshing & hydrating: A light, caffeine-free way to stay hydrated (it’s great in place of water as long as you keep sugar to a minimum in this recipe).
If you love all of the health benefits of this lemongrass tea infusion, be sure to check out my Iskiate Chia Drink recipe!
INGREDIENTS
All you need to make this recipe is:
- Fresh lemongrass: I find this at my local Asian supermarket or in the packaged fresh herbs section of the regular grocery store. If you’re using dry lemongrass, use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh. If you are using lemongrass tea bags, use 2-3 tea bags for every fresh lemongrass stalk.
- Sweetener (if desired): I like to use sugar or honey in this recipe, but it’s also delicious with no sweetener at all.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare infusion
- Prepare the lemongrass. Trim the ends of the lemongrass stalks and remove any tough outer leaves. Cut them into smaller pieces, about 4-inches long. I use scissors for this step and cut the pieces in half, lengthwise to release the flavor. You can also bruise or smash them with the back of a knife to release more oils.
- Steep the lemongrass. Bring the water to a boil in a pot and add the cut lemongrass to the boiling water. Allow to boil for 10 minutes, then lower heat to the lowest setting, cover, and allow to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
2. Strain and and enjoy
- Using a mesh strainer, remove the lemongrass stalks and pour the tea into a large pitcher. Add sweetener if desired.
- Sip your refreshing, fragrant té de limón warm or chilled over ice!
RECOMMENDED BY LOLA FOR THIS RECIPE
Glass Tea Pitcher
I like storing and refrigerating my tea in a glass pitcher once it has cooled. I also like how you can pour this one with the lid on, to filter out any tea residue. VIEW PRODUCT
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS DRINKS?
Try a few of my favorite aguas frescas:
- Agua de Piña (Pineapple Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Papaya (Papaya Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Naranja (Orange Agua Fresca)
Té de Limón (Easy Lemongrass Tea Recipe)
Equipment
- Knife or kitchen sheers
Ingredients
- 2 lemongrass stalks I prefer fresh, but dry lemongrass also works
- 1 tablespoons sugar or to taste
- 8 cups water use 10 cups for a lighter tea
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the lemongrass stalks and remove any tough outer leaves. Cut them into smaller pieces, about 4-inches long. I use scissors for this step and cut the pieces in half, lengthwise to release the flavor. You can also bruise or smash them with the back of a knife to release more oils.Bring the water to a boil in a pot and add the cut lemongrass to the boiling water. Allow to boil for 10 minutes, then lower heat to the lowest setting, cover, and allow to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
- Using a mesh strainer, remove the lemongrass stalks and pour the tea into a large pitcher. Add sweetener if desired.
- Sip your refreshing, fragrant té de limón warm or chilled over ice!
A Note from Lola
FRESH VS. DRY LEMONGRASS
- I find fresh lemongrass at my local Asian supermarket and have even seen it at the grocery store where they sell packaged fresh herbs.
- If you’re using dry lemongrass use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh.
- If you’re using lemongrass tea bags, use 2-3 tea bags for every fresh lemongrass stalk.
SWEETENERS
- I like to use sugar or honey in this recipe, but it’s also delicious with no sweetener at all – especially if you’re drinking it as a replacement for water.
Nutrition
Lola Wiarco Dweck
Lola is a Mexican-American recipe developer, writer, and cooking instructor who loves sharing her culture with the world. Growing up in California and spending summers in Mexico, Lola celebrates her family’s Mexican recipes and vibrant culture through Lola’s Cocina.
WOW! I love lemon grass! My plant froze last year but I will replant. Thank you for the wonderful teas recipes you send. I am going to share with Herb Society friends. Muchos gracias.
I have never made lemongrass tea so this is quite the treat!
This tea is so refreshing and even without any sort of sweetener has an almost sweet taste to it.