Citric Acid Free Lemongrass Ginger Tea
Warm, golden, and deeply aromatic, this simmered tea is the kind of drink that feels like a remedy and a ritual all at once. Bruising the lemongrass before it hits the pot is the key move here — cracking those stalks open releases the fragrant oils that give the brew its bright, citrusy character without relying on actual citrus fruit. Fresh ginger and a touch of turmeric round things out, adding gentle heat and a beautiful pale gold color that looks as good as it tastes. For anyone avoiding citric acid, this recipe is a genuine find, since most store-bought herbal teas and flavored drinks sneak it in as a preservative or flavor enhancer — here, every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. A drizzle of honey at the end lets you dial in the sweetness exactly where you want it. The optional lemon slice at serving is easy to skip entirely without losing anything essential from the cup.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 2 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layers removed, cut into 2-inch pieces and lightly bruised
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1–2 tsp honey, to taste
For serving
- 1–2 thin slices fresh lemon, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Lay the lemongrass pieces on a cutting board and press firmly with the flat side of a knife or the heel of your hand until the stalks crack open slightly — this releases the aromatic oils.
- 2
Combine the lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 12–15 minutes, until the liquid is fragrant and a pale golden color.
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