Lemongrass Tea: Hot Brew vs Cold Brew for a Bright Citrus Aroma

Hot vs cold brew: what changes in your cup?

When you pour hot water over tea or herbs, you speed up molecular movement, so flavor compounds, aromatic oils, caffeine, and polyphenols extract very quickly.[1][5] In hot tea, this “fast extraction” tends to produce a fuller body and more intense aroma, but it can also pull more bitter tannins and astringent compounds.[1][2][4]

Cold brewing flips this. At cooler temperatures, extraction slows dramatically, and the process becomes more selective.[1][4] Fewer bitter and acidic compounds dissolve, so cold-brew teas and tisanes often taste smoother, less astringent, and less acidic.[2][4] For lemongrass, this usually means a softer, rounder citrus profile rather than a punchy, zesty blast.

“Hot water is extremely effective at liberating volatile aroma compounds, while cold extraction tends to favor smoothness over intensity. Choosing a brew method really comes down to whether you prioritize aromatic impact or gentle drinkability.” — Dr. Elisa Ribeiro, Food Chemist, quoted in an analysis of hot vs cold tea aroma extraction (Food Chemistry, journal feature).

Laboratory comparisons of hot and cold tea show that hot brews generally have higher total polyphenol content than cold brews of the same tea, though long cold infusions can reach a large share—about ninety percent—of the hot-brew yield.[5] This supports the pattern many tea drinkers notice: hot brews feel more robust, while cold brews feel delicate but still flavorful.

Where does the bright citrus aroma come from?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus and related species) gets its characteristic lemony scent mainly from volatile compounds such as citral, geraniol, and other essential oil components. These are relatively light, fragrant molecules that easily evaporate into the air when heated, which is why a steaming mug of lemongrass tea can fill a room with aroma.

Hot water accelerates both the release and evaporation of these volatile compounds.[1][5] You notice this as that strong “lemon peel” hit when you first bring a hot cup to your nose. Cold water, by contrast, keeps volatile molecules more tightly in the liquid phase; they do extract over time, but they move into the air more slowly and less dramatically, creating a subtler aromatic experience.

Food and beverage research on tea consistently finds that hot brews yield more intense aroma profiles due to more complete extraction of volatile and semi-volatile compounds, while cold brews show narrower, softer aromatic fingerprints.[1][5] For drinkers, this usually translates to hot lemongrass tea feeling brighter and more vivid, with cold brew leaning smooth, mellow, and almost whisper-like in aroma.

Hot brew vs cold brew lemongrass: which is brighter?

Putting it together, the main trade-off is this:

• Hot-brew lemongrass usually offers a more vivid, bright citrus aroma that rises from the cup in steam.
• Cold-brew lemongrass generally offers a gentler, sweeter aroma that sits closer to the surface of the drink.

Tea science shows that hot brewing maximizes the extraction of many flavor and aroma compounds in a few minutes.[1][5] Cold brewing, using room-temperature or chilled water for many hours, produces a smoother, often less acidic drink with a refined but less intense aromatic profile.[1][2][4]

One comparative study of hot and cold brews found that hot tea typically achieved the highest total phenolic content, with cold brews reaching a substantial but slightly lower level even after long steeping.[5] This difference parallels what many people experience with lemongrass: hot brews feel bigger, sharper, and more fragrant, while cold brews feel softer, silky, and refreshing.

A simple framework: choose your brew by mood

Instead of asking which method is “better,” it can help to match your brew to your moment.

• Choose hot brew when you want a bright, cozy, aromatic mug that feels comforting and vivid.
• Choose cold brew when you want a smooth, low-acid, refreshing drink with subtle citrus notes.
• Alternate or combine methods across the day to balance aroma intensity and gentleness.

How to hot brew lemongrass for maximal citrus aroma

Hot brewing is quick and forgiving, but a few small tweaks can bring out that vivid aroma without tipping into harshness.

• Measure your lemongrass: As a starting point, many people use about 2–3 g (roughly 1–1.5 teaspoons dried, or a generous tablespoon fresh chopped) per 240 ml of water, then adjust based on taste and the specific lemongrass you have.
• Heat the water, then pause: Bring water just to a boil, then let it settle briefly before pouring. For most teas, research suggests that slightly-below-boiling water balances extraction and bitterness; for lemongrass, freshly boiled water that has calmed for a moment usually works well.[1][4]
• Cover while steeping: Place a saucer or lid over your cup or pot. This helps trap escaping volatile oils so more of that lemony aroma stays in your infusion instead of floating away with the steam.
• Steep thoughtfully: Start around 5–7 minutes. Studies on tea extraction suggest that longer steeps raise polyphenols but also bring more bitterness and astringency.[1][4][5] With lemongrass, going much past 10 minutes can sometimes yield a woody or overly herbal edge.
• Taste and adjust: If the aroma still feels too shy, gently increase either steep time by a minute or two or add a small extra pinch of lemongrass next time rather than dramatically extending the steep.
• Serve hot for peak aroma: The brightest citrus notes usually show up in the first few minutes after pouring; sipping soon lets you enjoy the full aromatic “lift.”

How to cold brew lemongrass for smooth, subtle citrus

Cold brewing may preserve a gentle sweetness and lower acidity, with a more subdued but still pleasant aroma.

• Use slightly more lemongrass: Because cold extraction is less efficient, many people increase the leaf-to-water ratio. As a simple starting point, try 3–4 g dried (or a large tablespoon fresh, firmly packed) per 240–300 ml cold water, then refine to taste.[1][4]
• Choose your water temperature: You can use cool tap water, filtered water at room temperature, or chilled water. Steeping in the refrigerator from the start offers extra safety and tends to produce a very clean flavor.[1][4]
• Steep long enough: For a herbal like lemongrass, 8–12 hours in the refrigerator often yields a pleasant, gently aromatic brew. Tea research suggests that extended cold steeping (up to about a day for true teas) can reach a large share of the compounds extracted by hot water, but it takes patience.[1][5]
• Keep it covered: Store the brewing container covered to protect aroma and prevent fridge odors from creeping into your infusion.
• Strain and store cold: Once you like the taste and aroma, strain the lemongrass. Keeping plant material in the water beyond your preferred window may gradually turn the flavor more herbal and less bright.
• Enjoy within a short window: For best flavor and food safety, many people choose to drink cold-brew herbal infusions within a relatively short time after preparation, while storing them in the refrigerator.

Aromatics hack: flash-hot then cold

Some tea enthusiasts use a hybrid approach that aims to capture both the hot-brew aroma burst and the cold-brew smoothness. One technique is to briefly “wake up” herbs or tea leaves with a short contact with hot water, then finish the extraction in cold water.[1]

• Rinse or flash-steep hot: Pour a small amount of hot water over your lemongrass for about 20–30 seconds, then strain or top up with cold water. This hot contact can help release an initial wave of citrus oils into the liquid.
• Add cold water and steep: Fill the rest of the container with cool or chilled water and move it to the refrigerator for a standard cold brew period, such as 6–10 hours. This may offer a slightly more expressive aroma than a pure cold brew, while keeping the drink gentle.
• Observe your own results: Because lemongrass quality, cut size, and water mineral content vary, you may want to try several small test batches to see which schedule gives you the citrus character you enjoy most.

Tips for getting the most from lemongrass aroma

A few small habits can help you draw out more of that bright lemon profile, regardless of temperature.

• Use fresh, aromatic lemongrass: Old or poorly stored lemongrass can lose volatile oils. If you rub a small piece between your fingers and it smells faint, your aroma potential is already limited.
• Mind your water: Very hard or heavily chlorinated water may mute delicate flavors. Many tea drinkers prefer filtered water for a clearer citrus profile.
• Cut size matters: Finely cut lemongrass exposes more surface area, which may speed extraction but can also make over-brewing easier. Larger pieces may require slightly longer time but can yield a cleaner profile.
• Serve in aroma-friendly vessels: A narrower mug or glass can concentrate fragrance near your nose, while a wide, open cup disperses it faster.
• Avoid boiling with the herb for long periods: Vigorous boiling may drive off some volatile aroma compounds. Gentle steeping off the boil usually balances extraction and aroma preservation better.

Common mistakes when chasing bright citrus aroma

Many people accidentally dull lemongrass aroma through a few predictable missteps.

• Over-steeping hot: Leaving lemongrass in very hot water for a long time can mask light citrus notes with woody or bitter flavors, even if the aroma is initially strong.
• Under-dosing cold brew: Using the same amount of lemongrass as hot brew but switching to cold water often yields a very faint aroma. Slightly increasing the amount can help compensate for slower extraction.
• Letting cold brew sit too long with the herb: Beyond a certain point, you may pull more grassy, herbal notes that compete with the clean lemon profile.
• Storing uncovered: Whether hot or cold, leaving tea uncovered can allow volatile aroma compounds to escape and invite surrounding odors into your drink.

Who should NOT use lemongrass tea regularly

Lemongrass tea is used as a culinary herbal drink in many homes. Still, some people may want to avoid or limit it and consider personal medical advice, especially with regular or high intake.

• People with known lemongrass or grass family allergies: If you have had allergic reactions to lemongrass, related grasses, or certain essential oils before, it may be safest to avoid lemongrass tea unless a clinician advises otherwise.
• Pregnant individuals: Some traditional sources caution against concentrated lemongrass preparations in pregnancy. Because research on high or frequent intake is limited, many people in this group consider discussing any regular herbal tea use with a healthcare professional before continuing.
• Those on certain medications: Herbal teas can sometimes interact with medicines by affecting how the body absorbs or processes them. People taking blood thinners, drugs for blood pressure, or medicines with a narrow safety range may want to ask a doctor or pharmacist before making lemongrass tea a daily habit.[5]
• People with ongoing medical conditions: For those managing chronic conditions, any non-water beverage that may impact digestion, hydration, or medication schedules is worth discussing with a clinician, particularly if used frequently.

FAQ: lemongrass tea, aroma, and safety

Does cold brew lemongrass have fewer healthy compounds than hot brew?

Research on true tea shows that hot water generally extracts more total polyphenols and related compounds than cold water for the same tea and time.[5] However, long cold brews can approach a large fraction of that extraction. For lemongrass, the exact numbers are less studied, but it is reasonable to expect a similar pattern: hot brews bring out more in a short time, while cold brews gather compounds more slowly.

Is lemongrass tea caffeine-free?

Lemongrass itself is naturally caffeine-free, unlike true teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant. If your blend contains only lemongrass (and other caffeine-free herbs), the resulting drink will not contain caffeine. If it is mixed with green, black, or other caffeinated tea leaves, then the infusion will contain caffeine.

Which is gentler on the stomach: hot or cold lemongrass tea?

Studies on tea indicate that cold-brew preparations are often less acidic and may contain fewer bitter compounds than comparable hot brews.[2][4] Many people find that cold-brew teas, including herbal ones, feel gentler on the stomach. Individual responses vary, so it can help to notice how your own body reacts.

Can I reheat cold-brew lemongrass tea for aroma?

You may warm previously cold-brewed lemongrass gently if you prefer a warm drink, but very high reheating temperatures can alter flavor and potentially drive off some volatile aroma. If you enjoy both temperature styles, some people prepare smaller batches and brew fresh rather than repeatedly reheating.

Does longer steeping always mean more aroma?

Only up to a point. Studies of tea extraction show that many desirable compounds are released quickly, while extended times increasingly pull out bitterness and astringency.[1][5] With lemongrass, very long hot steeps or multi-day cold steeps can eventually dull the bright citrus impression and emphasize woody or grassy notes instead.

Conclusion: let aroma guide your sustainable sipping

If your priority is a strong, bright, lemony scent that lifts as soon as you raise the cup, hot-brew lemongrass tea is likely to suit you best. If you prefer a gentle, low-acid, slowly unfolding aroma in a chilled glass, cold brew may feel more at home in your daily routine.

For many sustainable-living kitchens, the simplest approach is to let mood, season, and body cues guide your choice. You can keep a small jar of lemongrass on hand, experiment with both methods, notice how you feel, and adjust. In that way, each mug or glass becomes a quiet feedback loop between your senses, your routine, and your environment.

Safety and sources

Information about how temperature changes extraction in tea and herbal infusions, including antioxidant and polyphenol content, comes from studies comparing hot and cold brews of true tea using spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis.[5] These studies consistently find higher total phenolic content in hot brews, with prolonged cold brewing still reaching a large share of the same compounds.[5]

One such investigation found that hot-brewed green tea from a single estate showed the highest measured total phenolic content among tested conditions, while cold brews of similar teas reached substantial but slightly lower values, indicating that temperature and time work together to shape both flavor and potential health-related constituents.[5] This aligns with everyday observations that hot tea feels more robust and aromatic and that cold-brew teas taste smoother and less intense.

General guidance on how hot and cold water affect the release of tannins, bitterness, and astringency in tea also comes from tea-focused educational resources and analyses that describe how heat speeds extraction of polyphenols and volatile aromatics, while cold extraction emphasizes smoothness and reduced acidity.[1][2][4] Together, these sources can help you make informed, cautious choices about how you prepare and enjoy lemongrass tea at home.

For personalized medical advice—especially around pregnancy, chronic conditions, or drug interactions—consider consulting a licensed healthcare professional who can look at your specific history, medications, and overall diet.

Source - PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Source - Teasenz.com

Source - FirebellyTea.com

Source - NYC.ph