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You can make cilantro tea by steeping fresh cilantro leaves in hot water.
It’s a simple herbal drink that’s ready in just a few minutes, and it has a fresh, slightly citrusy taste that people either love or find a bit polarizing.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make cilantro tea at home because you have a bunch of cilantro sitting in the fridge that’s about to go bad, this is one of the easiest ways to use it up.
In this post, we’ll walk through how do you make cilantro tea, the ingredients you need, the steps to follow, and a few tips for getting the flavor just right.
Let’s dive in.
How Do You Make Cilantro Tea Step by Step
Making cilantro tea is really straightforward, and you don’t need any special equipment.
You can make cilantro tea with just three things: fresh cilantro, water, and a little sweetener if you want one.
Here’s how the process works.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make cilantro tea, you’ll need a good handful of fresh cilantro leaves and stems, about one cup loosely packed.
You’ll also need two cups of fresh water and optional sweeteners like honey, agave, or a slice of lemon.
If you want to make cilantro tea with dried cilantro instead, you can use about one to two teaspoons of dried leaves, though fresh really does taste better here.
2. Wash the Cilantro Thoroughly
Before you make cilantro tea, give the leaves a good rinse under cold running water.
Cilantro tends to hold onto grit and sand, so swish the leaves around in a bowl of water and then drain them well.
This step matters because you don’t want gritty tea.
3. Boil the Water
Bring your two cups of water to a rolling boil in a small pot or kettle.
Once it’s boiling, take it off the heat.
You don’t want to pour boiling water directly over delicate cilantro leaves because it can cook them and make the tea taste bitter.
4. Steep the Cilantro
Place your washed cilantro in a mug or teapot and pour the hot water over it.
Cover the cup and let it steep for about five to ten minutes.
The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor, so if you’re new to cilantro tea, start with five minutes and adjust from there.
5. Strain and Serve
After steeping, strain the leaves out and pour the tea into your cup.
Add honey, lemon, or whatever sweetener you like, and enjoy it while it’s warm.
You can also chill it in the fridge and serve it over ice if you prefer a cold version.
Why People Make Cilantro Tea
People make cilantro tea for a few different reasons, and it’s not just about the taste.
1. It’s a Great Way to Use Up Cilantro
If you buy a bunch of cilantro for a recipe and only use a little, the rest usually wilts fast.
Learning how to make cilantro tea gives you a way to use those leftover leaves before they go to waste.
2. It’s Caffeine-Free and Light
Cilantro tea has no caffeine, so you can drink it in the evening without worrying about staying up all night.
It’s light, refreshing, and a nice change from the usual herbal teas.
3. It’s Simple and Cheap
You can make cilantro tea for pennies, especially if you already have cilantro in the fridge.
There’s no need for fancy equipment or expensive tea bags.
Tips for Making Cilantro Tea Taste Better
Some people find cilantro tea a little too earthy or herbal on its own, so here are a few ways to make it more enjoyable.
1. Add Citrus
A squeeze of lime or lemon really brightens up cilantro tea and balances the flavor.
Cilantro already has a citrusy note, so the two pair naturally together.
2. Sweeten It Slightly
A teaspoon of honey or agave can soften the bitterness that sometimes comes through.
Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll mask the cilantro flavor entirely.
3. Mix With Other Herbs
If you’re not crazy about the taste of cilantro tea on its own, try blending it with mint or ginger.
A few mint leaves or a slice of fresh ginger steeps well alongside the cilantro and makes the drink more complex.
4. Don’t Oversteep
Leaving cilantro in hot water for too long makes the tea taste grassy and bitter.
Stick to five to ten minutes and taste as you go.
So, How Do You Make Cilantro Tea?
You make cilantro tea by steeping fresh cilantro leaves in hot water for about five to ten minutes, then straining and sweetening to taste.
It’s a quick, cheap, and caffeine-free drink that’s perfect for using up leftover cilantro.
Whether you sip it warm or chill it over ice, learning how to make cilantro tea is a simple skill worth having in your kitchen.
Give it a try the next time you have a bunch of cilantro on hand and see what you think.