Lemon Ginger Syrup
- PREP 10min
- COOK 35min
- TOTAL 45min
Use this Lemon Ginger Syrup to make cocktails, mocktails, herbal teas, and healthier sodas. Our homemade lemon ginger syrup starts with fresh ginger root, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the perfect amount of sweetener to balance it all out. We love honey for this, but agave nectar or maple syrup are excellent substitutes.
You Will Need
8 ounces fresh ginger, 1 ½ cups chopped
4 cups filtered water
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, from 2 to 3 lemons
1/3 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar
Directions
Roughly peel the ginger — it is okay if you miss some of the peel in the nooks and crannies. It does not need to be perfect.
Roughly chop the peeled ginger into 1/2-inch pieces, and then transfer to a medium saucepan.
Make the ginger concentrate. Cover the ginger with four cups of water, and then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so that the water is simmering. Cook at a gentle simmer until the water reduces by about half, 30 to 40 minutes.
Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or large measuring jug that fits at least 2 cups.
Strain the ginger concentrate, discard the ginger, and allow the ginger water to cool.
When the ginger concentrate is cool enough to hold your finger in it for 10 seconds, stir in the lemon juice, and add the sweetener. Since honey is challenging to dissolve into cold liquids, it is helpful to thin the honey with 1/4 cup of ginger concentrate first before mixing it back into the remaining ginger concentrate.
Taste the ginger syrup, and then adjust with more lemon juice or sweetener as needed.
Transfer the ginger syrup to a jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You will need to stir each time before using.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing: Keep this lemon ginger syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can probably freeze it, too! I’d imagine for about a month — freezing it in an ice cube tray is a great idea.
- This lemon-ginger syrup is inspired and adapted from Carla Lalli Music of Bon Appetit.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.