Simple and Fresh Ginger Lemonade

5 from 1 vote

What better way to combat the heat and satisfy your taste buds than with a glass of homemade simple and fresh ginger lemonade? Served over ice cubes and with fresh mint leaves, this refreshing drink with a spicy kick can be the party star at gatherings or a daily hydrating treat during hot summer days.

Prep Time15

Cook Time5

Total Time20

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Servings: people

Calories: 97kcal

Author: Dr. Nena Stefanovic

Equipment

1 citrus juicer
1 grater or knife for ginger
1 pitcher 32 oz

Ingredients

4 lemons I had about ¾ juice from 4 lemons
1 inch ginger fresh
⅓ cup cane sugar
4 cups water filtered
ice cubes
fresh mint leaves optional

Instructions

Prepare the Ginger and make the Simple Syrup: Clean the ginger thoroughly. Peel the ginger using a knife or a vegetable peeler.
Grate the ginger finely to extract maximum flavor.
Combine the grated ginger, sugar, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat in a small pot, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves. Once it boils, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Strain the syrup.
Extract Lemon Juice: Roll the lemons on a countertop to make them easier to juice.
Cut the lemons in half.
You can use a citrus juicer or reamer to extract the lemon juice.
Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
Create the Ginger Lemonade Base: Combine the ginger syrup, lemon juice, and remaining 3 cups water in a pitcher. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartiness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if desired.
Mix and Chill: Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.
Serve and Garnish: Give the ginger lemonade another gentle stir once chilled.
Serve over ice in glasses.
Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves if desired.
Note: You can add sparkling water or club soda to the ginger lemonade for a fizzy twist. Additionally, you can experiment with adding other flavors like mint, basil, or even a splash of cranberry juice for a unique twist on this classic drink.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
Please take a look at the blog post above for a common Q&A for this ginger lemonade recipe.
Ginger roots – make sure to wash the ginger thoroughly. Peeling ginger is recommended for a smoother texture and optimal flavor extraction. Some people like a stronger ginger flavor; you can leave the skin on. While fresh ginger root provides a more robust and authentic flavor, ginger powder can be used as a substitute. Remember that the intensity of the ginger flavor might vary, so adjust the amount to your taste.
Lemons – I recommend fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor. However, bottled lemon juice can be used as a convenient alternative. Just choose high-quality, pure lemon juice without added sugars or artificial flavors.
Sweetener – natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar go great here. Or you can use coconut sugar. I used regular cane sugar in this recipe. Also, the recipe can be tailored to your taste preferences. If you prefer a tart and less sweet version, you can skip the sweeteners altogether or use a minimal amount.
Filtered water – for a clean and neutral taste. To make sparkling ginger lemonade, replace still water with sparkling water in the recipe. This adds a bubbly element and can make the drink even more refreshing.

Nutrition