Ginger Lemon Drink Recipe

Peel and slice ginger

Wash 3 oz fresh ginger root. Peel using the edge of a spoon or a small knife. Thinly slice or roughly chop the ginger into 1/8–1/4-inch pieces to increase surface area for infusion.

Make ginger infusion

In a medium saucepan combine the sliced ginger and 6 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the liquid is fragrant and slightly reduced.

Sweeten the infusion

Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the ginger infusion through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or pitcher, pressing on solids to extract liquid. While the infusion is still warm (but not boiling), stir in 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon lemon zest and a pinch of salt until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Add lemon juice

Once the sweetened ginger infusion has cooled for 5–10 minutes, stir in 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust: add up to an additional 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar if you prefer sweeter, or more lemon juice for extra tartness.

Chill the concentrate

Let the ginger-lemon concentrate come to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). Chilling improves flavor and makes the drink refreshing when served.

Prepare serving glasses by filling each with ice cubes (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). For 4 servings, divide 4 cups ice among glasses.

Dilute concentrate: For each serving, combine about 1/2 cup ginger-lemon concentrate with 1 cup cold water or club soda to taste. If you prefer stronger ginger/lemon flavor, use 2/3 cup concentrate and 2/3 cup water. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish and finish: Add a lemon slice and 2 fresh mint leaves to each glass. If using club soda, pour it in last to preserve effervescence. Stir lightly and serve immediately.

Storage: Keep remaining chilled ginger-lemon concentrate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before using. Sweetness and dilution can be adjusted per serving.