When life hands you limes, lemongrass, and ginger, you make Thai-inspired lemongrass limeade. That’s how the saying goes, right?

Close enough.

Lemongrass is a popular Thai ingredient used in various sauces, marinades, and teas, to name a few uses. The herb is native to tropical climates such as that in Southeast Asia. It’s packed with numerous health benefits and wrapped even tighter in folklore medicine. Lemongrass imparts a vibrant, subtle, and complex flavor on any dish that calls for its use. Hints of lemon, ginger, and mint are often used to describe the aroma and taste of lemongrass.

This Thai-inspired Lemongrass Limeade is a versatile and uniquely refreshing beverage. Add an ounce or two of vodka, tequila, or mezcal for an easy and complex tasting cocktail, or enjoy on its own by the pool on a hot summer day.

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a tropical grass-like plant with a distinct lemony aroma and flavor. It is native to regions such as Southeast Asia, India, and Africa and is widely used in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. Here are some key points about lemongrass:

Appearance: Lemongrass has long, thin, and fibrous stalks that resemble thick grass. The outer layers are rough and fibrous, while the inner portion is pale yellow and tender. The plant can grow up to several feet in height and has a bushy appearance.
Flavor and Aroma: Lemongrass is renowned for its intense citrusy fragrance and taste. It has a fresh and vibrant lemon-like aroma with subtle floral undertones. The flavor is bright, tangy, and slightly sweet, often described as a blend of lemon and herbal notes.
Culinary Uses: Lemongrass is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes. It adds a zesty and aromatic touch to curries, stir-fries, soups, marinades, and sauces. The tender lower portion of the stalk is typically used in cooking, while the tougher upper portion is often used to infuse broths and teas.
Health Benefits: Lemongrass is known for its potential health benefits. It contains essential oils, such as citral and limonene, which have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemongrass has been traditionally used to ease digestive issues, reduce inflammation, relieve anxiety, and support overall well-being.
Herbal Tea and Infusions: Lemongrass is a popular ingredient for herbal teas and infusions. The stalks can be steeped in hot water to create a fragrant and refreshing tea. Lemongrass tea is believed to promote relaxation, aid digestion, and boost the immune system.
Essential Oil: Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the plant and is used in aromatherapy, skincare, and natural remedies. It is valued for its uplifting and invigorating scent and is often used in massage oils, soaps, lotions, and diffusers.
Growing and Harvesting: Lemongrass thrives in warm and tropical climates. It can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it suitable for home gardening. The stalks can be harvested by cutting them close to the base of the plant, and new shoots will often grow back.

When using lemongrass in cooking, it is typically prepared by removing the tough outer layers and using the tender lower portion of the stalk. The stalk can be sliced, chopped, crushed, or bruised to release its flavors and aroma.

Lemongrass offers a delightful citrusy essence and a range of culinary and wellness benefits. Its refreshing and aromatic qualities make it a prized ingredient in many dishes, teas, and natural products, adding a bright and invigorating touch to various aspects of everyday life.

Thai-Inspired Lemongrass Limeade

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Course: Smoothies / JuicesCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Lemongrass, lime, and ginger steeped and sweetened with brown sugar creates the indulgently refreshing Thai-inspired Lemongrass Limeade

Ingredients

5 stalks 5 lemongrass
4 limes 4 juiced
1 tablespoon 1 lime zest
1 inch 1 piece of ginger, peeled
4 cups 4 water
1 cup 1 brown sugar

Directions

Clean the lemongrass. Cut the tips and ends; discard. Roughly chop into several-inch long pieces.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, sugar, lemongrass, lime juice, ginger, and lime zest. Whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer just under a boil.
Reduce heat and continue simmering for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of water. Strain through a colander to remove lemongrass and ginger. Whisk to combine.