How to Make Peach Orange Lemongrass Tea (Tra Dao Cam Sa)

What is peach orange lemongrass tea?

Peach orange lemongrass tea is a refreshing alcohol-free drink that combines steeped tea with preserved peaches, fresh sweet orange and bruised lemongrass. It tastes lightly sweet from the peach, gently tart from the orange and fragrant from the lemongrass.

It is an upgraded version of the familiar peach tea: adding orange and lemongrass makes the drink brighter, more aromatic and less cloying. Many beverage shops put it on their summer menu because it is easy to drink, suits most palates and works for all ages.

Because it contains no alcohol at all, peach orange lemongrass tea is suitable for children, adults and guests who do not drink alcohol — a safe welcome drink for parties and events.

Ingredients for peach orange lemongrass tea (for ~2 glasses)

Black tea or red tea: 2 tea bags, or 6g of loose tea.

Hot water at 80-90°C: 300ml for steeping the tea.

Preserved peaches: 2-3 pieces, sliced, plus 30-40ml of the peach syrup for a sweet base.

Sweet orange (such as navel orange): 1 fruit — squeeze for juice and keep a few thin slices to garnish. Avoid bitter orange varieties.

Fresh lemongrass: 2 stalks, bruised and cut into segments to release the aroma.

Sugar or sugar syrup: 20-30ml, adjust to taste.

A few drops of lime juice to balance the flavor (optional).

Ice cubes: fill the glass when pouring. Tools: a steeping pot, a strainer, a shaker if available, and a glass of about 500ml.

How to make peach orange lemongrass tea (step by step)

Step 1 — Steep the tea: put the tea into a pot, pour in 300ml of water at 80-90°C, steep for 4-5 minutes, then remove the bags or strain out the leaves. Steeping at this temperature keeps the tea from turning bitter.