Refreshing and flavorful homemade ginger punch, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a relaxing afternoon treat. Adjust sweetness and tartness to your liking!
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:135 minutes
Yield:8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 large piece (about 4–6 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
8 cups water, divided
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4–6 limes)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2–3 lemons)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Ice cubes, for serving
Lime wedges or slices, for garnish (optional)
Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Sparkling water or club soda, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Peel the ginger using the edge of a spoon. Roughly chop the ginger into smaller pieces.
Place the chopped ginger in a large pot. Add 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes to an hour.
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander over a large bowl. Carefully pour the ginger mixture through the sieve, pressing down on the ginger solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the ginger pulp.
In a large pitcher, combine the ginger concentrate, the remaining 4 cups of water, the sugar, lime juice, and lemon juice. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
If using, add nutmeg and cinnamon to the pitcher and stir well.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the ginger punch for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Fill glasses with ice cubes.
Pour the chilled ginger punch over the ice.
Garnish with lime wedges or slices, mint sprigs, or both.
Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Other sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup can be used.
For a spicier ginger punch, add a small piece of Scotch bonnet pepper (or other hot pepper) to the ginger while simmering. Remove before straining.
Add other fruit juices like pineapple juice, orange juice, or cranberry juice for a different flavor profile.
For a stronger ginger flavor and a fizzy kick, substitute some of the water with ginger beer.
Add a shot of rum, vodka, or whiskey to each glass for an adult version.
The ginger concentrate can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freeze the ginger concentrate in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Experiment with different types of ginger to find your favorite.
Use all lime or all lemon depending on your preference.
For a minty twist, add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pitcher while the punch is chilling. Remove before serving.