Lemongrass Tea in Warm Weather: Hot Brew vs Cold Brew

Safety and sources

Lemongrass tea is generally considered safe for most healthy adults when consumed in moderation, but it may interact with certain medications or health conditions. Consider speaking with a qualified health professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing blood pressure or blood sugar concerns, or taking prescription medications.

For broader evidence on tea and herbal infusions, see:

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – nccih.nih.gov (herbal safety and interactions)
• Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University – oregonstate.edu (tea polyphenols and health)
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – hsph.harvard.edu (tea, hydration, and overall diet patterns)
• Mayo Clinic – mayoclinic.org (general guidance on herbal teas and caffeine for specific conditions)

Hot brew vs cold brew: what actually changes?

To understand lemongrass tea in the heat, it helps to zoom out and look at how hot and cold water treat plant material in general.

How hot brewing works

When you pour hot water over tea leaves or herbs, the higher temperature speeds up molecular movement and breaks bonds in the plant cells, quickly releasing flavor compounds, polyphenols, and caffeine (if the blend contains true tea such as green or black).NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.phSugimoto Tea – sugimotousa.com

Research on hot-brewed green tea shows:

• Hot water at typical brewing temperatures can extract a wide spectrum of catechins and amino acids within a few minutes.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.ph
• A key catechin, EGCG, can reach around 50.69 mg per 100 ml after a short hot infusion.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.ph

Translated to lemongrass, hot brewing generally means:

• Bigger aroma: more of those bright, citrusy essential oil notes rush out with heat.
• Stronger flavor: a fuller, more intense lemony character.
• More extraction of bitter and astringent compounds: useful if you like structure, but over-steeping may create a harsh edge.Teasenz – teasenz.com

How cold brewing works

Cold brewing uses room-temperature or chilled water over a much longer time. At these lower temperatures, extraction is slower and more selective: some compounds (especially harsher tannins) are pulled out less efficiently, while others diffuse gently over hours.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.phTeasenz – teasenz.com

Studies on tea in general suggest:

• Cold-brewed teas often have less bitterness and astringency, because fewer tannins are extracted at low temperature.Teasenz – teasenz.comFirebelly Tea – firebellytea.com
• They may be lower in caffeine compared with a hot brew of the same tea, since caffeine is extracted more efficiently by heat.Firebelly Tea – firebellytea.comWonderHowTo – wonderhowto.com
• Long cold steeps (often in the 8–24 hour range) can reach around 90% of the antioxidant yield of a hot brew, just more slowly.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.ph

For lemongrass, that typically means:

• Smoother, rounder citrus flavor, with less bite.
• Lower acidity feel on the stomach and teeth compared with some hot-brewed teas.Teasenz – teasenz.comFirebelly Tea – firebellytea.com
• Refreshing, clean finish, ideal for warm afternoons when you want something you can sip quickly.

Key terms (quick glossary)

• Hot brew: Steeping tea or herbs in hot water for a short time.
• Cold brew: Steeping in room-temperature or cold water for many hours.
• Astringency: That dry, tightening sensation on your tongue from tannins.
• Tannins: Plant compounds that contribute bitterness and astringency.
• Polyphenols: A large group of plant compounds (including catechins in tea) that may have antioxidant activity.

Lemongrass tea in warm weather: what do you want from your cup?

Lemongrass behaves a bit differently from classic Camellia sinensis tea, but the same temperature principles apply. The choice between hot and cold brew for warm weather depends on what you want your drink to do for you.

Option 1: Hot-brew lemongrass, then chill

Hot-brewing lemongrass and then serving it cold gives you the best of both worlds: full extraction plus a refreshing drink.

Typical experience (may vary by brand and cut of lemongrass):

• Big aroma: Steam releases the citronella-like, lemony fragrance immediately. Once chilled, the drink still carries more aroma compared with a straight cold brew, especially in the first few hours.
• Bold flavor: A hot brew can pull more intense citrus and herb notes into the liquor, which stands up well to ice, sparkling water, or citrus slices.
• Great for iced "sun tea" style drinks: Many people brew strong, then dilute with cold water or ice in a jug so it doesn’t taste watery.

Basic method (kitchen-friendly) – adjust to your taste and package directions:

1. Bring fresh, clean water just to a boil and let it settle briefly.
2. Add dried lemongrass (or a lemongrass blend) to a teapot, French press, or heat-safe jug.
3. Pour hot water over the herbs and cover.
4. Steep for several minutes, then taste; lemongrass is forgiving, but longer steeps may intensify herbal notes.
5. Strain, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until well chilled.
6. Serve over ice with optional slices of lime, ginger, or mint.

When this approach may suit you in warm weather:

• You love big, expressive herbal flavors in iced drinks.
• You want to brew once, then stretch it with ice or sparkling water for guests.
• You like to mix lemongrass tea with other strong flavors (ginger, black tea, hibiscus) that benefit from hot extraction.

Option 2: Cold-brew lemongrass for a softer sip

Cold-brewed lemongrass is all about gentle refreshment. The lower extraction temperature tends to keep bitterness and harshness in check, which many people enjoy when the weather is very warm.Firebelly Tea – firebellytea.com

Typical experience (may vary):

• Smoother, milder lemon character with less sharpness.
• Less perceived acidity; some people find it easier on an empty stomach.Teasenz – teasenz.com
• Very low bitterness compared with long hot steeps, since fewer tannins are released at low temperature.

Basic method (fridge pitcher) – adapt to your product’s directions:

1. Add lemongrass (or lemongrass tea bags) to a clean glass jar or pitcher.
2. Cover with cold, safe drinking water. Many people use slightly more herb than for a hot brew because extraction is slower.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.ph
3. Cover and refrigerate. Steep for several hours, tasting occasionally until it’s as strong as you like.
4. Strain out the herbs. Keep the finished cold brew refrigerated and enjoy within a short window for best flavor and food safety.
5. Serve straight from the fridge over ice, or top with still or sparkling water if you prefer a lighter drink.

When this approach may suit you in warm weather:

• You want an all-day sipping pitcher that doesn’t feel intense or heavy.
• You prefer gentle, spa-water-style flavor with lemongrass as a background note.
• You’re sensitive to bitter or highly acidic-feeling drinks and want something softer.

Flavor, mouthfeel, and aroma: side-by-side

Because lemongrass is used both on its own and in blends, your experience may vary, but here’s how the two main methods often compare.

Flavor and sweetness

With true tea (green, oolong, black), hot brews are known for a more assertive, brisk flavor, while cold brews tend to be smoother and sometimes taste naturally sweeter because fewer bitter tannins are extracted.Sugimoto Tea – sugimotousa.comFirebelly Tea – firebellytea.com

Applied to lemongrass in warm weather:

• Hot brew (chilled): Brighter, punchier lemon-herb profile, especially right after brewing. Works well if you add citrus, honey, or ginger.
• Cold brew: Softer, rounder notes. Many people find they don’t need added sweetener because there’s little bitterness to balance.

Aroma and aftertaste

Hot water volatilizes aroma molecules quickly, so hot-brewed lemongrass generally feels more aromatic at first sip.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.ph

• Hot-brew-chilled: Stronger, more immediate lemony nose; aftertaste can be longer and slightly more herbal.
• Cold brew: Subtle aroma; finish is often cleaner with less lingering dryness.

Mouthfeel and astringency

In regular tea, hot brewing pulls out more tannins, contributing to body but also more astringency.Teasenz – teasenz.com

• Hot-brewed lemongrass: Can feel slightly fuller and more structured on the palate.
• Cold-brewed lemongrass: Tends to feel lighter and smoother, which many people appreciate in heat.

Potential benefits and cautions (non-medical)

Scientific studies focus more on green and black tea than on lemongrass specifically, but some general patterns are useful when you’re choosing a brew style. None of the following is medical advice or a claim that lemongrass tea will treat or prevent disease.

Antioxidant extraction

In tea, hot water usually extracts antioxidant polyphenols more quickly and in higher amounts in the first minutes of brewing.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.ph

• Hot brewing may deliver a higher concentration of certain compounds in a short time.
• Cold brewing over many hours may approach around 90% of the total antioxidant yield of hot brewing.NYC-Ph Tea – nyc.ph

For lemongrass blends that include green or black tea, this means your hot-brew-then-chill pitcher may be slightly richer in those compounds per cup, while a long cold brew can still provide a meaningful amount.

Caffeine and sensitivity

Pure lemongrass is naturally caffeine free. If your lemongrass tea is blended with true tea, caffeine comes into play:

• Hot brews generally have more caffeine because heat extracts it more efficiently.Sugimoto Tea – sugimotousa.comWonderHowTo – wonderhowto.com
• Cold brews in one comparison contained roughly half to two-thirds of the caffeine of hot brews.WonderHowTo – wonderhowto.com

If you’re sensitive to caffeine and enjoy lemongrass blends with green or black tea, a cold brew may offer a gentler option. Always check your specific product and, if needed, consult a healthcare professional.

Acidity and digestion feel

Studies on tea suggest cold-brewed tea is often less acidic and less harsh on the stomach compared with some hot-brewed preparations.Teasenz – teasenz.comFirebelly Tea – firebellytea.com

Many people use cold-brewed herbal infusions, including lemongrass, when they want something mild-tasting between meals in hot weather. If you have digestive or reflux concerns, consider discussing herbal teas with a clinician who knows your health history.

Food safety for warm-weather brewing

Warm temperatures are perfect for relaxing outside, but they’re also perfect for microbes. For at-home lemongrass tea, a few simple habits can make drinking safer and more enjoyable.

• Use safe water: Ideally filtered, boiled and cooled, or trusted drinking water.
• Keep cold brews in the fridge: Steeping at room temperature for many hours may increase the risk of microbial growth. Many people steep in the refrigerator from the start.
• Store chilled tea properly: Keep it refrigerated in a clean, covered container and avoid leaving pitchers out in the sun for long periods.
• Watch added ingredients: Fresh fruit, sweeteners, and herbs can shorten the shelf life of your tea; consider adding them close to serving time.

If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, or are preparing tea for young children or older adults, consider checking public health guidance or speaking with a healthcare professional about best practices for home-brewed teas.

Which brew is better for you in warm weather?

There is no single “best” way to brew lemongrass tea in the heat. Instead, match the method to your situation.

Choose hot-brew-then-chill if you:

• Want big, bold lemongrass flavor that can stand up to ice and mixers.
• Enjoy experimenting with complex blends (lemongrass + ginger, green tea, spices).
• Prefer potentially higher extraction of tea compounds per cup when using lemongrass blends that include true tea.
• Don’t mind a short cooling time before drinking.

Choose cold brew if you:

• Prefer smooth, low-bitter drinks that go down easily in hot weather.
• Are sensitive to caffeine and drink lemongrass blends with true tea, since cold brews may have less caffeine.
• Like to keep a ready-to-drink pitcher in the fridge for quick glasses throughout the day.
• Enjoy a softer, spa-like citrus note rather than an intense herbal punch.

Simple warm-weather lemongrass tea recipes

Sparkling lemongrass cooler (hot-brew base)

This method works well with strong, hot-brewed lemongrass that you cool and then brighten with bubbles.

1. Brew a concentrated pot of lemongrass tea with hot water.
2. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
3. Pour into a glass filled with ice, filling it halfway.
4. Top with chilled sparkling water and add a squeeze of lime.
5. Optional: garnish with a lemongrass stalk or a few mint leaves.

Fridge lemongrass-lime infusion (cold brew)

1. Add lemongrass to a large glass pitcher.
2. Top with cold, safe drinking water.
3. Add a few thin slices of lime (without pith if possible, to keep it from getting bitter).
4. Cover and place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
5. Strain and serve over ice; top up with fresh water as you drink through the day.

TL;DR: quick decision guide

• Need a bold, aromatic iced tea for guests? Hot-brew lemongrass, then chill.
• Want a smooth, easy, low-effort drink you can sip all day? Cold-brew lemongrass in the fridge.
• Have a lemongrass blend with green or black tea and want fewer jitters? Consider cold brew for a milder caffeine hit.
• Curious which you’ll like more? Brew both methods on the same day, chill, and taste side-by-side. Let your palate decide.