A soothing and flavorful Golden Ginger Drink, perfect hot or cold. Combines fresh ginger, lemon, and honey for a refreshing and healthful beverage.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:70 minutes
Yield:6 cups1x
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)
2–3 slices of fresh lemon or orange (for garnish, optional)
Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Prep the Ginger: Peel the ginger root using the edge of a spoon. Slice the ginger thinly (about 1/8 inch thick).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.