Pandan Lemongrass Fresh Chapter

Pandan brings a soft, almost rice-like fragrance, while lemongrass adds a clean citrus aroma without the sourness of lemon juice. The appeal is in the scent as much as the sip, so give the leaves time to infuse. Strain thoroughly; neither the pandan nor the tough stalk pieces belong in the finished glass. A little sugar is optional, but try it plain first. This is a delicate, caffeine-free drink with a very different character from fruit water.

Ingredients

• 1 leaf Food-grade pandan leaf, washed
• 1/2 stalk Lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
• 10 oz Water
• 1 tsp Sugar (optional)

Make it

1. Tie the pandan leaf loosely and cut the bruised lemongrass into large pieces.
2. Simmer both in the water, covered, for 15–20 minutes until fragrant. Stir in optional sugar.
3. Strain out and discard all leaf and stalk pieces. Cool briefly, then refrigerate promptly for about 30 minutes. Serve chilled.

Benefits

Pandan and lemongrass · refreshing fluids

The water does a simple, useful job in this pandan and lemongrass combination: it contributes to hydration while stretching a toasted-rice-like fragrance into a full drink.

Let lemongrass bring the interest

The pandan carries a fresh lemony scent from lemongrass; use the listed amounts to enjoy the balance between those flavors, then adjust to your taste.