How To Grow Lemongrass At Home? Easy Tips For Bartending Beginners
Lemongrass has a citrus flavour with a subtle taste of ginger and herbs. It is not sour like lemon juice but has a crisp citrus flavour. Fresh lemongrass produces natural oils that have an amplified aroma and flavour compared to dried versions. The oils released from fresh ones are light, fragrant, and slightly sweet, making them suitable for beverages that require subtle layers without masking the other ingredients.
Fresh lemongrass provides character to cocktails and mocktails by blending fruity, flowery, and even peppery flavours. It also leaves a nice aftertaste; when muddled or steeped briefly, it adds a subtle earthy tone to herbal and citrus combinations. Fresh lemongrass enhances the drink's natural and aromatic qualities, providing an organic option that can be grown at home for drink-making.
5 Tips To Grow Lemongrass At Home For Drinks
Tip 1: Plant A Rooted Stalk In Water
If you want to grow lemongrass at home, start with a stalk that still has its root foundation. Put two inches of clean water in a clear glass and set it upright. Replace the water every two days and place it near a bright window. In 10 days, white roots will show up at the bottom. Move the stalk into a pot with loose, soft soil after the roots are at least 5 cm long. This method yields a fresh, aromatic supply for infusions.
Tip 2: Broad Pot With Drainage
Choose a wide container rather than a long one because lemongrass roots grow sideways. To release excess water, the pot should have holes in the bottom. Fill it with well-draining, wet soil; adding a small amount of compost or sand is beneficial. After planting, lightly water and firmly press the earth around the root. This configuration allows the stalks to grow and avoids root rot. Taller plants have a stronger core flavour, which makes them well-suited for beverages.
Tip 3: Provide It With Six Hours Of Sunlight Every Day
In sunshine, lemongrass grows quickly. Ensure that the plant receives six hours or more of direct sunlight each day. The ideal location is an open-sky garden, windowsill, or balcony. If cultivated inside, position the pot close to the brightest area. To ensure that every side of the plant receives equal exposure, turn the pot every few days. Sunlight keeps the stem flavourful and green. The plant produces oils that give beverages a mild herbal flavour and a subtle citrus aroma.
Tip 4: Water Frequently, But Not Excessively
Water is needed for lemongrass, but not too much at once. When the topsoil layer seems dry, water the plant. This can include watering once daily in summer. Every two or three days is sufficient during the winter months. Do not leave water at the bottom of the pot to prevent the roots from rotting. Smoother-tasting lemongrass is the result of proper watering.
Tip 5: For More Flavour, Harvest Correctly
The stalks are suitable for harvesting when they are at least 30 cm tall. Cut the stalk near the ground using clean scissors. Only select mature stalks; let the younger ones develop. Lightly crush lemongrass before adding it to beverages or infusions. Blends benefit from the subtle, layered citrus aroma that it adds.
Cocktail Suggestions To Try With Lemongrass
1. Lemongrass And Cucumber Cocktail
The cocktail has a clever twist on the taste! The cucumber instantly transforms into a smooth beverage, while the lemongrass adds a zesty citrus-herb bite.
Make It At Home:
- 30 ml soda water
- 20 ml lemongrass tea
- 10 ml cucumber juice
- 10 ml of gin
Steps:
- Stir cucumber juice and lemongrass tea in a mixing glass.
- Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a cucumber ribbon.
2. Lemongrass And Lime Cocktail
The lemongrass infusion ties everything together as the citrus punch of the lime blends with the subtle nuttiness of chilled coconut water. It is a known flavour at one point and unique and unknown at another.
Make It At Home:
- 10 ml chilled coconut water
- 20 ml lime juice
- 30 ml lemongrass infusion
Steps:
- Shake all ingredients with crushed ice for 10 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a lemongrass stalk.
3. Citrus Spritz With Lemongrass
The lemongrass water gives tannin notes. The orange juice offers sweet-tart brightness. It's kept airy using soda water. The herbs and citrus complement one another like a pair of best friends in sync.
Make It At Home:
- 10 ml orange juice
- 15 ml rum
- 20 ml fresh lemongrass water
- 20 ml soda water
Steps:
- Stir orange juice, rum, and lemongrass water over ice in a wine glass.
- Top with soda water and garnish with an orange peel twist.
4. Apple-Lemongrass Rum Cocktail
The drink has a subtle sweetness from the apple juice, a scent from the chilled lemongrass tea, and a faint fizz from the sparkling water. The perfect cloud of crisp flavour to try on!
- 10 ml apple juice
- 25 ml cold lemongrass tea
- 25 ml sparkling water
Steps:
- Mix apple juice and lemongrass tea in a highball glass with ice.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with an apple slice or mint sprig.
5. Lemongrass and Ginger Rum Cocktail
Very peppery drink, this is your go-to partner for a rainy day or humid summer. The ginger extract provides a zingy taste, while crushed lemongrass gives you a citrussy start.
Make It At Home:
- 10 ml of water
- 15 ml crushed lemongrass water
- 10 ml ginger extract
- 15 ml rum
Steps:
- Boil water in a kettle.
- Pour into a mug with crushed lemongrass, water and ginger extract.
- Let steep for 3 minutes; stir other ingredients, chill and serve.
Summing Up…
Fresh lemongrass stems should be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container or zip-lock bag after being unwashed and wrapped in paper towels. Use within a night. Chop and freeze in small amounts for extended usage. This preserves its oils and citrus scent for muddling and drink infusions.
Also Read: How To Blend Lemongrass, Mint, And Basil In Summer Drinks? 5 Variants To Explore
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
