A cool glass of homemade Ginger honey lemonade is just right for hot summer days on the deck. This is a quick, easy and refreshing recipe for all year round.
As the sun beat down on a hot summer day, I decided to take a trip to the Asian market near me in search of fresh ginger to make a refreshing batch of ginger honey lemonade. As I walked through the aisles of the bustling market, I was struck by the vibrant colors and smells of the exotic fruits and spices.
After finding a beautiful batch of fresh ginger, I headed home to prepare my lemonade. I peeled and grated the ginger, and boiled it in water until the liquid had a rich, spicy aroma. After it was cooled down I then added fresh lemon juice and a generous amount of local honey, stirring until the honey had fully dissolved.
As I poured the lemonade into a glass filled with ice cubes, I took a first sip and I was instantly transported to a world of sweet and tangy flavors, with a warm kick from the spicy ginger and sweetness of the honey. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this refreshing drink was the perfect refreshment on a scorching hot day.
As I sat back and savored the delicious drink, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the diverse cultures and ingredients that make up our world, and the simple pleasures that they can bring to our daily lives.
This classic lemonade which is ultimate thirst quencher was inspired by my lemon vanilla custard pie recipe on this site, and pairs well with this light roasted beets and orange salad.
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Why You’ll Love This ginger honey lemonade?
Overall, this lemonade can be a tasty and healthy addition to your diet, offering a range of potential health benefits and an enjoyable taste experience. Also this is not the classic recipe with simple syrup, a cup of lemonade concentrate, honey ginger syrup and a cup of hot water.
Delicious taste: It has a refreshing and zesty robust ginger flavor that many people find delicious and satisfying.
Health benefits: Ginger, honey, and lemon all have potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and relieving nausea, which can make this drink an excellent choice for those looking to improve their health and well-being.
Easy to make: Ginger honey lemonade is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking.
Versatile: This lemonade can be enjoyed as a refreshing beverage on its own or used as a base for cocktails or other drinks.
Natural ingredients: The lemonade is made with all-natural ingredients, which makes it a healthier alternative to sugary sodas or other artificial drinks.
Ingredients
- Honey: Raw honey is a natural sweetener that also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed with lemon and ginger, honey can soothe a sore throat, reduce coughing, and boost the immune system.
- Lemon: Fresh lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Lemon also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help stimulate the digestive system. I recommend using Meyer lemons which are are smaller and more round than regular lemons.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger root has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Ginger is also a natural digestive aid and can help improve digestion and prevent bloating. See recipe card for quantities.
The health benefits of these ingredients
- Boosts immunity: Ginger, honey, and lemon are all known for their immunity-boosting properties and fight off infections.
- Soothes sore throat: Honey has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help soothe a sore throats.
- Aids digestion: Ginger has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Drinking ginger honey lemonade is a great way to help to soothe your digestive system and improve your gut health.
- Relieves nausea: Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for nausea for centuries. Lemon also contains compounds that can help reduce nausea.
- Relieves cold and flu symptoms: Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which is known to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and relieve sore throat and cough.
- Reduces inflammation: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Promotes hydration: Drinking ginger honey lemonade can help you stay hydrated, which is important for maintaining healthy skin, regulating body temperature, and supporting overall health.
- Promotes relaxation: Drinking warm lemon honey ginger tea can be soothing and promote relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
How to make the Honey Ginger Lemonade
Here are the steps to make honey ginger lemonade:
1. Juice your lemons, peel and grate ginger.
2. Boil the water. Place freshly grated ginger and water in a heavy medium saucepan over high heat. Bring it to a boil then simmer for 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain out the ginger. Strain ginger through a fine mesh sieve into a big bowl, pressing ginger to release all liquid. Let it cool.
4. Make a large two-quart pitcher. Pour into a bottle or a large pitcher an add honey and lemon juice. Mix well until honey is dissolved. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve lemonade over ice filled tall 12-ounce glass with sparkling water, lemon slices on top and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Substitutions for homemade ginger lemonade
Here are some substitutions you can use to make variations of honey ginger lemonade:
- Agave nectar: If you don't have honey or prefer a vegan option, you can use agave nectar instead. It has a similar texture and sweetness level to honey.
- Maple syrup: Another vegan alternative to honey is maple syrup. It has a distinct flavor that can add a different dimension to your lemonade.
- Lime juice: If you're out of lemons or want to try a different citrus flavor, you can use lime juice instead. It pairs well with ginger and can add a tart, refreshing twist to your drink.
- Mint: Adding fresh mint leaves to lemonade can give it a cool, herbaceous flavor that complements the ginger and lemon.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth and spice to your lemonade, making it perfect for colder months.
- Sparkling water: If you want to add some fizz to your lemonade, try using sparkling water instead of regular water. It can also help lighten the sweetness of the drink.
- Apple cider vinegar: For a health boost, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar to your lemonade. It can aid digestion and provide a tangy, acidic taste.
Variations of this lemonade
Here are some variations of honey ginger lemonade you can try:
- Hibiscus ginger lemonade: Brew some hibiscus tea and add it to lemonade for a refreshing twist. It will add a beautiful red color to your drink.
- Pineapple ginger lemonade: Add some fresh pineapple chunks to lemonade for a tropical twist. It will add a sweet and tangy flavor to your drink.
- Mango ginger lemonade: Puree some fresh mango and add it to lemonade for a fruity twist. It will add a smooth and creamy texture to your drink.
- Jalapeno ginger lemonade: Add some sliced jalapenos to lemonade for a spicy twist. It will add a kick to your drink that pairs well with the sweetness of honey.
- Strawberry ginger lemonade: Puree some fresh strawberries and add it to your lemonade for a fruity twist. It will add a sweet and tangy flavor to your drink.
- Turmeric ginger lemonade: Add a pinch of turmeric to your lemonade for a health boost. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and will add a beautiful golden color to your drink.
- Rosemary ginger lemonade: Add some fresh rosemary sprigs to your lemonade for a herbal twist. It will add a fragrant and savory note to your drink.
Storage
Ginger honey lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's important to store it in an airtight container to prevent the flavors from escaping or any odors from being absorbed.
Before storing the lemonade, strain out any ginger or lemon pulp and let it cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.
When you're ready to enjoy your ginger honey lemonade, simply give it a good shake or stir to mix any settled ingredients, and serve it chilled. If you notice any changes in flavor or consistency, such as cloudiness or a sour taste, discard the lemonade and make a fresh batch.
Overall, proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and flavor of lemonade, so be sure to store it correctly and consume it within the recommended time frame.
Top Tips
By following these expert tips, you can make a delicious and refreshing ginger honey lemonade that's perfectly tailored to your tastes and preferences.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and lemon will give your lemonade the best flavor and maximum health benefits. Use organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Adjust sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of your lemonade to your liking by adding more or less honey.
- Use hot water to dissolve honey: To ensure that the honey is fully dissolved in your lemonade, mix it with hot water first.
- Strain the ginger: If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the ginger out before serving.
- Chill before serving: For the most refreshing experience, chill the lemonade in the fridge before serving.
- Add herbs or spices: Experiment with adding fresh herbs or spices like mint, basil, or cinnamon to lemonade for extra flavor and health benefits.
- Use sparkling water: For a bubbly twist, add sparkling water.
FAQ for ginger honey lemonade
Yes, ginger honey lemonade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. However, you can use ginger powder in a pinch.
Yes, you can experiment with adding other ingredients to your ginger honey lemonade such as mint, basil, or cinnamon for extra flavor and health benefits.
Yes, the lemonade can be served hot by heating it on the stove or in the microwave.
Other Recipes You Will Love
Please let me know how your ginger honey lemonade turn out in the comments! I love hearing from you. Snap a photo and hashtag it #alexascuisine.
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Alexa
Recipe
Ginger honey lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 100 grams fresh ginger root fresh, peeled and finely grated
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 3 liters water
Instructions
- In a medium size pot, combine the grated ginger and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool down.
- Strain the ginger mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher.
- Add the lemon juice, honey to the pitcher. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
- Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if needed.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
- When ready to serve, pour the lemonade into glasses filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with lemon slices and ginger slices if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing homemade honey ginger lemonade!
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