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Golden Ginger Drink: Recipe, Benefits, and More

A soothing and flavorful Golden Ginger Drink, perfect hot or cold. Combines fresh ginger, lemon, and honey for a refreshing and healthful beverage.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups water, preferably filtered
  • 1 large (6-8 ounce) ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup honey, or more to taste (agave or maple syrup can be substituted for a vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added warmth)
  • 23 slices of fresh lemon or orange (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ginger: Peel the ginger root using the edge of a spoon. Slice the ginger thinly (about 1/8 inch thick).
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the sliced ginger, water, honey (or sweetener), lemon juice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the cinnamon stick, if using.
  3. Simmer the Mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-60 minutes, depending on desired ginger flavor intensity.
  4. Strain the Drink: Carefully pour the ginger mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large pitcher or bowl. Discard the solids.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the drink and adjust sweetness with more honey (or sweetener) and zing with more lemon juice. Add a tiny pinch more cayenne pepper for more heat, if desired.
  6. Serving Hot: Ladle the strained ginger drink into mugs. Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon or orange and a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
  7. Serving Cold: Allow the strained ginger drink to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least an hour to chill thoroughly. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon or orange and a sprig of mint.
  8. Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Use fresh ginger for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the ginger, as it can become bitter.
  • Adjust sweetness to your taste.
  • Experiment with variations like adding turmeric, orange zest, or other fresh herbs.
  • For a stronger ginger tea concentrate, simmer for up to 2 hours with less water initially (about 4 cups) and dilute with hot water when serving.