Refreshing Iced Lemongrass Ginger Tea
A cooling Southeast Asian herbal tea combining aromatic lemongrass and warming ginger, served over ice. Perfect for Singapore's tropical climate and naturally caffeine-free.
By Janelle
Updated: March 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
This refreshing iced tea is a beloved Southeast Asian beverage that perfectly balances the citrusy fragrance of lemongrass with the warming heat of fresh ginger. In Singapore's humid climate, this cooling drink has become a popular alternative to traditional hot teas, offering both hydration and therapeutic benefits. Traditionally enjoyed throughout Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, lemongrass ginger tea is prized for its digestive properties and natural ability to boost immunity. The combination creates a complex flavor profile that's both soothing and invigorating, making it an ideal drink for any time of day. This iced version transforms the classic hot tea into a modern refresher that's perfect for entertaining or personal enjoyment.
- •Naturally caffeine-free – perfect for evening consumption without disrupting sleep
- •Digestive benefits – both lemongrass and ginger aid digestion and reduce bloating
- •Anti-inflammatory properties – ginger helps reduce inflammation while lemongrass provides antioxidants
- •Incredibly aromatic – fills your kitchen with fresh, citrusy fragrance while brewing
- •Versatile and customizable – easily adjust sweetness and strength to personal preference
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 4 stalks fresh lemongrass stalks (bruised and chopped)
- 50 g fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 1 litre water
- 60 g brown sugar (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- 4 wedges lime wedges (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Prepare the lemongrass by removing the outer tough layers and trimming the root end. Bruise the stalks by gently pounding with the flat side of a knife blade, then chop into 5cm pieces. This releases the essential oils for maximum flavor extraction.
~5 min
Tip: The more you bruise the lemongrass, the stronger the flavor will be - 2
Peel the fresh ginger using a spoon to scrape away the skin, then slice into thin rounds about 3mm thick. Thinner slices will release more flavor during the brewing process.
~3 min
Tip: Young ginger has thinner skin and milder flavor than mature ginger - 3
In a large saucepan, combine the prepared lemongrass, sliced ginger, and 1 litre of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
~10 min
Tip: Watch for vigorous bubbling to ensure proper extraction - 4
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the tea simmer gently for 15 minutes. The liquid should develop a light golden color and aromatic fragrance. Cover the pot to prevent evaporation and concentrate the flavors.
~15 min
Tip: Longer simmering creates stronger flavor but may become bitter - 5
Remove the saucepan from heat and add brown sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired – the tea should be pleasantly sweet but not overpowering.
~2 min
Tip: Add honey after cooling slightly to preserve its beneficial enzymes - 6
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher, pressing the solids gently to extract maximum flavor. Discard the lemongrass and ginger pieces.
~3 min
Tip: Double-strain through cheesecloth for crystal-clear tea - 7
Allow the tea concentrate to cool to room temperature, which takes about 30 minutes. For faster cooling, place the pitcher in an ice bath and stir occasionally.
~30 min
Tip: Never add ice to hot tea as it will dilute the flavor - 8
Once cooled, refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled. The flavors will continue to meld and develop during this time.
~120 min
Tip: Tea can be prepared up to 3 days ahead - 9
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, leaving about 2cm from the rim. Pour the chilled lemongrass ginger tea over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
~2 min
Tip: Chill glasses beforehand for extra-cold serving - 10
Garnish each glass with 2-3 fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge. Gently bruise the mint between your fingers before adding to release its aroma.
~3 min
Tip: Slap the mint leaves to release oils without bruising - 11
Serve immediately with a long spoon or straw for stirring. Encourage guests to squeeze the lime wedge into their tea for added citrus brightness.
~1 min
Tip: Provide extra lime wedges for those who prefer more citrus
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The tea is ready when it has a light golden color and strong aromatic fragrance. The flavor should be balanced between the citrusy lemongrass and warming ginger, with no harsh or bitter notes. If the tea tastes too strong, dilute with additional cold water before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this tea is actually better when made ahead of time. The concentrate can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop and meld during storage, creating a more complex and balanced taste. Just add ice and garnishes when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Refreshing Iced Lemongrass Ginger Tea as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!