A warming and invigorating ginger turmeric tonic with lemon, orange, and honey. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for boosting your immune system.
1 tablespoon raw honey, or to taste (maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan option)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, for a spicy kick
Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, for added health benefits
Optional: Pinch of sea salt, to enhance flavors
Instructions
Prepare the Ginger and Turmeric: Wash and peel the ginger and turmeric roots. Slice them into thin rounds. If using ground turmeric, set aside.
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium saucepan, combine filtered water, sliced ginger, sliced turmeric (or ground turmeric), and black peppercorns.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a stronger flavor.
Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let cool for 15-20 minutes.
Strain the Infusion: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heat-resistant pitcher or jar. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
Add Citrus Juices: Add the freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice to the strained infusion.
Sweeten to Taste: Stir in the raw honey (or maple syrup/agave nectar) to your desired level of sweetness. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust as needed.
Optional Additions: If using cayenne pepper or apple cider vinegar, add them now. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference. A pinch of sea salt can also enhance the flavor.
Serve Warm or Cold: Enjoy the ginger turmeric tonic warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Storage Instructions: Store any leftover tonic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Adjust the amount of ginger and turmeric to your liking.
If you don’t have fresh turmeric, you can use ground turmeric. Use about 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric for every 2 inches of fresh turmeric.
You can experiment with adding other spices to the tonic, such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
If you don’t want to use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, you can use other sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your liking.
For an extra boost of flavor and nutrients, try adding fresh herbs to the tonic, such as mint, basil, or rosemary. Add the herbs during the simmering process.
You can freeze the tonic in ice cube trays for easy single servings. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
This tonic is especially soothing for sore throats. The ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Add a little extra honey for added soothing benefits.
Drinking this tonic regularly can help to boost your immune system and protect you from illness. The ginger, turmeric, lemon, and orange are all packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can help to keep you healthy.