Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger root (about 30g), sliced thin
- 4-5 medium lemons (yielding ¾ cup fresh juice)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ⅓ to ½ cup raw honey (80-120ml)
- 4 cups filtered water (divided: 2 cups for infusion, 2 cups for dilution)
Optional Additions:
- 1-inch piece fresh turmeric root
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Tiny pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
For Serving:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh ginger slices for garnish
- Lemon wheels
- Fresh herb sprigs (mint or basil)
- Sparkling water (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ginger: Wash ginger thoroughly. Peel if not organic. Slice thinly into â…›-inch rounds or coins.
- Make Ginger Infusion: In a saucepan, combine sliced ginger with 2 cups water. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until water is golden and aromatic.
- Steep and Strain: Remove from heat, let steep 10 minutes, then strain through fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on ginger to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
- Add Honey: While ginger tea is still warm (not boiling), stir in honey until completely dissolved.
- Juice Lemons: Zest one lemon, then juice all lemons to yield ¾ cup juice. Strain to remove seeds and pulp if desired.
- Combine: Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining 2 cups cold water to honey-ginger mixture. Stir well.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the lemonade (it will be warm). Adjust sweetness, tartness, or ginger intensity as needed by adding more honey, lemon juice, or water.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (4-6 hours ideal) to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Pour over ice in glasses. Garnish with ginger slices, lemon wheels, and herbs. For sparkling version, top with chilled sparkling water.
Notes
- Always use raw, unfiltered honey for maximum health benefits
- Fresh ginger is essential—don’t substitute with dried powder
- Adjust ginger quantity based on your spice tolerance
- Can be served hot as a soothing cold remedy
- Flavor improves after sitting overnight in refrigerator
- Stores for up to 5 days refrigerated
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- For concentrated syrup, double ginger and honey, keep water same
- Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz
- Make it milder for kids by using only 1-inch ginger piece
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmering, Infusion
- Cuisine: International, Wellness
- Diet: Vegetarian