Cool, refreshing, and full of flavour, lemongrass and ginger iced tea is the perfect homemade drink for warm days. Fresh lemongrass adds a bright citrus aroma, while ginger brings a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with the delicate flavour of jasmine green tea. Lightly caffeinated and easy to prepare, this iced tea is ideal for sipping throughout the day and makes a refreshing alternative to store-bought soft drinks. Serve it over ice for a fragrant, zesty drink that’s both soothing and uplifting.
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Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass and Ginger Iced Tea
- Refreshing blend — a mix of lemongrass, ginger, and jasmine green tea that’s light, aromatic, and naturally invigorating.
- Easy to make ahead — brew a batch, chill it, and enjoy over ice whenever you like.
- Healthier alternative — a homemade drink with no artificial flavours or additives.
- Customisable to taste — adjust the sweetness, serve with honey, or add a sparkling twist.
- Lightly caffeinated — jasmine green tea gives a gentle lift without being overpowering.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients to make this lemongrass and ginger iced tea. Here I’ve included ingredient notes and substitutions. See the recipe card below for quantities and the full method.
- Water — forms the base of the iced tea.
- Ginger — adds gentle heat and warmth; fresh ginger is best, but you can use sliced frozen ginger if you have it on hand.
- Lemongrass — brings a citrusy aroma and freshness; if unavailable, substitute with a little lemon zest for brightness.
- Jasmine Green Tea — gives the drink its lightly caffeinated floral base; you can substitute with other herbal blends like chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos for a caffeine-free version.
- Honey — adds natural sweetness; swap for sugar, agave, or leave it out if you prefer unsweetened tea.
How to Make Lemongrass and Ginger Iced Tea
This iced tea comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: In a large saucepan, add 750mL of water. Using the side of a knife, gently smash the ginger and lemongrass until bruised slightly before adding to the pot of water.
Step 2: Boil for 15 minutes. Add tea bags, and boil for an additional 5 minutes. Stir through honey to taste.
Step 3: Pour tea into a large jug and top with the remaining water to bring up to 1.2 litres. Place in the fridge to chill completely — at least 4–6 hours, or overnight for the best flavour. Serve over ice.
Tips for the Perfect Iced Tea
- Don’t over-steep the tea — jasmine green tea can become bitter if boiled too long, so keep the simmering time short once the bags are added.
- Chill thoroughly — allow the tea to cool for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight for maximum flavour and refreshment.
- Adjust sweetness — start with a little honey and taste as you go; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Use plenty of ice — serving over lots of ice keeps the tea crisp and refreshing, especially on hot days.
- Garnish for extra flavour — add a slice of lemon, lime, or fresh mint leaves when serving to brighten the flavour and presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Store in the fridge — keep the iced tea in a sealed jug or bottle for up to 3–4 days.
- Stir before serving — honey and natural flavours can settle, so give it a quick stir before pouring.
- Make ahead for gatherings — brew a batch the night before and chill overnight so it’s ready to serve the next day.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature — for best flavour and food safety, always keep the tea refrigerated once cooled.
- Serve over fresh ice — adding new ice cubes when serving keeps it cold without watering it down too much.
Variations to Try
- Caffeine-free herbal blend — swap jasmine green tea for chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint if you prefer an evening-friendly option.
- Sparkling iced tea twist — top your glass with sparkling water or soda water just before serving for a fizzy, refreshing take.
- Citrus boost — add slices of lemon, lime, or orange to the jug for extra brightness and a burst of vitamin C.
FAQs About Lemongrass and Ginger Iced Tea
Can I make this tea without caffeine?
Yes, simply replace the jasmine green tea with plain jasmine tea, or a herbal blend such as chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint for a naturally caffeine-free version.
Can I use loose leaf tea instead of teabags?
Absolutely. This recipe uses jasmine green tea bags for convenience, but you can use loose leaf tea if preferred. Just strain it before chilling.
How long does lemongrass and ginger iced tea last in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed jug or bottle, it will keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Be sure to stir before serving, as the flavours can settle.
Can I serve this tea hot instead of iced?
Yes, this recipe works beautifully as a hot tea too. Use all the water when infusing the ginger and lemongrass, then skip the chilling step and pour straight into mugs after brewing.
More Refreshing Drink Recipes to Try
If you loved this lemongrass and ginger iced tea, you might also enjoy some of my other refreshing drinks. Try my zesty Basil Lime Soda, a herby Thyme Tonic Rickey, or the creamy, tangy Brazilian Lemonade – all perfect for cooling down on warm days.
📖 Recipe
Lemongrass and Ginger Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 1.2 L water
- 100 g ginger peeled and sliced thickly
- 2 stalks lemongrass cut into thirds
- 4 bags of jasmine green tea
- 1 tablespoon honey or more, to taste
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add 750mL of water. Using the side of a knife, gently smash the ginger and lemongrass until bruised slightly before adding to the pot of water.
- Boil for 15 minutes. Add tea bags, and boil for an additional 5 minutes. Stir through honey to taste.
- Pour tea into a large jug and top with remaining water to bring up to the 1.2 litres. Place in the fridge to chill completely – 4-6 hours or overnight. Serve over ice.
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