Lemongrass Mint (Iced) Tea

Scenario 1: Fortune bestows upon you a big bunch of lemongrass for $1 and an equally big bunch of mint, also for $1.

Scenario 2: Misfortune bestows upon you 115 degree heat with no sign of relenting for weeks. You and your friends are enjoying each other's company but melting under the oppressive hand of thermodynamics.

Scenario 3: Lemongrass and Mint Iced Tea rescues your molten, heat-stroked selves from the danger of devolving into a rendition of the "Great Gatsby Opera."

How, you ask, is such alchemy achieved by simply by lemongrass and mint? Here's how:

Take about 6-8 stalks of lemongrass for each 6 quarts of water (I think - a standard pot, but not as big as a pasta pot). Chop off the bottoms, peel off the outer layer (like a green onion), and chop into chunks about three inches long. Smack the chunks with the back of a knife to bruise them, which will let out more lemongrassy essential oils and flavors. Bring the water to a boil, toss in the lemongrass, and let it boil, mostly covered, about 30 minutes or until the infusion smells delicious and tastes sufficiently lemongrassy. When satisfied, turn off the heat and throw in a big handful of mint. If you can cover the mint, the infusion will retain more water and flavor. Let it steep for about 10 minutes at least, and up to a few hours. Strain the tea and chill for as long as necessary. Drink, revel in the refreshment, and vow to make this again, always.