Tea Mocktails: Lemongrass, Pandan, and Honey Spritzers – Refreshing Herbal Drinks

Understanding the Ingredients

Creating exceptional tea mocktails starts with knowing your core components. Lemongrass brings a light citrus flavor due to the presence of citral, the same compound found in lemon rind. Pandan leaves, often called the "vanilla of Southeast Asia," offer an aroma and flavor profile described as grassy with hints of rose, vanilla, and almond verging on coconut. Honey adds natural sweetness and depth, while sparkling water transforms the tea into a sophisticated spritzer.

Many people use fresh ingredients when available, though frozen pandan leaves work well and are commonly found in Asian grocery stores. The combination of these three elements creates a beverage that is subtly sweet, wonderfully aromatic, and visually appealing with its light green hue.

Brew Basics: Making Your Tea Base

The foundation of any great mocktail is a well-crafted tea infusion. Start by preparing your lemongrass: trim the bottom and top, peel away any discolored outer layers, then cut the stalks into small pieces. You may consider slightly smashing the stalks with the back of a kitchen knife to release more of the healing volatile oils and flavor compounds.

For pandan leaves, tie them into a knot or cut them into manageable pieces. Bring water to a rolling boil—most recipes call for approximately 1 to 2 liters depending on desired strength. Add your prepared lemongrass and pandan leaves, then simmer for 7 to 30 minutes depending on how strong you want the flavor. A shorter steep (7 minutes) yields a delicate tea, while longer steeping (20–30 minutes) produces a more robust infusion.

Once brewed, strain the tea thoroughly through a fine mesh strainer or cloth filter to remove plant particles. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Properly stored in a sealed container, the tea keeps well for up to 24 hours.

Honey Spritzer Recipes

Classic Lemongrass Pandan Honey Spritzer

This straightforward recipe serves as an excellent starting point. Brew 1 liter of water with 2 to 3 pandan leaves (tied in a knot) and 2 lemongrass stalks for 7 to 10 minutes. Strain the tea and allow it to cool completely. Pour 6 ounces of cooled tea into a glass filled with ice, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey (adjust to taste), and top with 4 ounces of sparkling water. Stir gently and serve immediately with a fresh lemongrass stalk as garnish if desired.

Ginger-Enhanced Spritzer

For those seeking an immunity-boosting variation, consider adding fresh ginger to the mix. Include a 2-centimeter stem of ginger (pounded to release juice) when brewing your lemongrass and pandan tea. The warming spice complements the herbal notes beautifully. Follow the same assembly process as the classic spritzer, adjusting honey to balance the ginger's warmth.

Mint-Infused Variation

Fresh mint adds brightness and complexity. Brew your lemongrass and pandan tea for 4 minutes, then add a small handful of roughly chopped mint. Cover the pot and turn off the heat, allowing the mint to steep for an additional 5 minutes. Strain, cool, and prepare your spritzer as usual. The mint creates a more refreshing profile, particularly appealing on warm days.

Flavor Profiles and Tasting Notes

Understanding the sensory experience helps you appreciate and customize these beverages. Lemongrass contributes a clean, bright citrus note without the acidity of actual lemon juice. Pandan's complexity—with its vanilla, almond, and rose undertones—creates depth and intrigue. Honey rounds out the flavor with natural sweetness and a subtle floral quality that doesn't overpower the herbal elements.

The sparkling water adds effervescence and lightness, transforming the tea into a sophisticated mocktail suitable for various occasions. The beverage's light green color, developed during steeping, makes it visually distinctive and Instagram-worthy for social sharing.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Presentation elevates the drinking experience. Serve your honey spritzer in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful pale green hue. Garnish with a thin stalk of lemongrass, a pandan leaf, or fresh mint depending on your chosen variation. Crushed ice works better than cubes, as it chills the beverage quickly without diluting it excessively.

Consider offering these mocktails at farm-based tourism events, wellness retreats, or afternoon gatherings. The herbal nature and aromatic qualities make them particularly suitable for spa settings or relaxation-focused experiences. Many people serve these drinks both hot and cold, making them versatile across seasons.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare your tea base in advance for convenient entertaining. The brewed tea keeps refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. You may consider making a larger batch and storing it to have on hand throughout the week. However, assemble the spritzers shortly before serving to maintain optimal carbonation and freshness.

For events, prepare your tea base and honey separately, then combine with sparkling water and ice just before serving. This approach ensures each drink maintains its effervescence and flavor integrity.

Health Considerations

While these beverages are generally enjoyed for their pleasant taste and aroma, some people use lemongrass and pandan tea for potential wellness purposes. Lemongrass may contain compounds with antioxidant properties, and the aromatic qualities make it popular in traditional wellness practices. However, individual responses vary, and these drinks should be considered refreshing beverages rather than medical treatments.

If you have specific health concerns or take medications, consider consulting with a healthcare provider before making herbal beverages a regular part of your routine.