Originally posted on May 24, 2022 @ 4:29 am
If you love the fresh, citrusy aroma of lemongrass and enjoy incorporating natural remedies into your lifestyle, making a lemongrass tincture at home is an excellent idea. This vibrant herbal extract captures the essence of lemongrass in a concentrated form, perfect for enhancing your teas, cocktails, or wellness routines.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a burst of flavor and potential health benefits, including digestive support and relaxation properties.
Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just starting your journey with tinctures, this recipe will guide you through creating your own lemongrass tincture using simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Plus, you’ll discover tips for customization and usage ideas that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Let’s dive into the refreshing world of lemongrass tinctures!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lemongrass tincture recipe is simple, natural, and incredibly versatile. By using fresh lemongrass stalks and high-quality alcohol, you preserve the delicate flavors and beneficial compounds of this fragrant herb.
The result is a potent liquid extract that can be used in myriad ways—from adding zest to your favorite drinks to promoting digestive wellness.
Unlike store-bought tinctures, homemade versions allow you to control the ingredients and potency, ensuring purity and freshness. Additionally, this tincture has a long shelf life, making it a handy addition to your herbal apothecary.
If you enjoy exploring DIY herbal recipes or natural health boosters, this is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 3-4 fresh lemongrass stalks (about 6-8 inches long)
- 1 cup high-proof vodka or grain alcohol (at least 40% ABV)
- 1 clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (preferably 8 oz or larger)
Equipment
- Sharp knife for trimming lemongrass
- Cutting board
- Measuring cup
- Glass funnel (optional, for bottling)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
- Dark glass dropper bottles for storing tincture
- Labeling materials (stickers or tags)
Instructions
- Prepare the lemongrass: Rinse the stalks well under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Chop the lemongrass: Using a sharp knife, cut the lemongrass stalks into small pieces, about 1/2 inch in length. Crushing the pieces slightly with the back of the knife helps release their essential oils.
- Fill the jar: Place the chopped lemongrass into your clean glass jar, filling it about halfway.
- Add the alcohol: Pour the vodka or grain alcohol over the lemongrass until it is fully submerged, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
- Seal and shake: Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar gently to mix the contents.
- Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every 2-3 days to help the extraction process.
- Strain the tincture: After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or measuring cup, pressing the lemongrass pieces to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Bottle the tincture: Using a funnel, transfer the filtered tincture into dark glass dropper bottles to protect it from light and preserve potency.
- Label and store: Label your bottles with the date and contents. Store in a cool, dark place. Your lemongrass tincture is now ready to use!
Tips & Variations
“For a more robust flavor, use dried lemongrass instead of fresh, but expect a slightly different aroma and potency.”
- Adjust the alcohol: If you prefer a less potent tincture, you can use a lower-proof alcohol, but this may reduce the shelf life.
- Add complementary herbs: Try mixing lemongrass with ginger or mint for a unique flavor profile and added health benefits.
- Use organic lemongrass: Whenever possible, choose organic stalks to avoid pesticides and ensure the purest tincture.
- Double infusion: After straining, you can reuse the lemongrass for a second infusion to maximize extraction.
- Non-alcoholic version: If you prefer an alcohol-free tincture, you can use glycerin instead of vodka, but expect a sweeter taste and shorter shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tsp (5 ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 12 (mostly from alcohol) |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Trace amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium |
Note: Since tinctures are consumed in small quantities, their nutritional impact is minimal but their herbal properties are potent.
Serving Suggestions
Lemongrass tincture is a versatile ingredient you can enjoy in many ways. Add a few drops to your favorite teas to enhance flavor and boost digestion.
It also makes a refreshing addition to sparkling water or cocktails, bringing a zesty citrus note.
For wellness purposes, take 10-15 drops diluted in water or juice daily to support relaxation and digestive health. You can also incorporate it into salad dressings or marinades for a subtle lemongrass kick.
The possibilities are endless!
Interested in other plant-based recipes? Check out these delicious ideas like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for flavorful inspiration.
Conclusion
Crafting your own lemongrass tincture is a rewarding and simple way to embrace natural flavors and herbal benefits. With just fresh lemongrass, quality alcohol, and patience, you create a potent extract that captures the essence of this aromatic herb.
Whether for culinary uses or wellness support, this tincture offers versatility and freshness that store-bought versions often lack.
By following this recipe, you not only gain a useful herbal remedy but also deepen your connection to the ingredients you use daily. Experiment with different infusion times and additional herbs to tailor your tincture to your tastes.
Don’t forget to explore more plant-based recipes like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to continue your culinary adventure. Enjoy crafting and savoring your homemade lemongrass tincture!
📖 Recipe Card: Lemongrass Tincture Recipe
Description: A refreshing and aromatic lemongrass tincture perfect for herbal remedies. This tincture captures the bright citrus flavor of fresh lemongrass in a potent extract.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup tincture
Ingredients
- 4 stalks fresh lemongrass, chopped
- 1 cup vodka (40% alcohol)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 small glass jar with lid
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Dark glass dropper bottle for storage
Instructions
- Chop lemongrass into small pieces.
- Place chopped lemongrass in the glass jar.
- Pour vodka over lemongrass, covering completely.
- Seal jar tightly and shake gently.
- Store in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain tincture through cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Add honey if desired and mix.
- Transfer tincture to a dark dropper bottle for storage.
Nutrition: Calories: 65 | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 2g
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