Learn how to make homemade ginger tea with fresh ginger root. This easy recipe is nourishing and spicy with a bit of tangy lemon. It is best to drink on cold nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Homemade Ginger Tea
Making fresh ginger tea at home is a soothing habit when the temperatures start to drop and flu season is here.
It is a comforting beverage that is spicy and warming with a bit of sweetness and tang. This nourishing ginger tea recipe is very easy to make as well. You basically just need to boil fresh ginger slices in water and in just a few minutes you can warm up with a cup of ginger tea!
This homemade ginger tea recipe is definitely one that you will want to keep for those cold nights.
Ginger Tea Benefits
Fresh ginger tea is rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This means it offers several health benefits. Here are just a few of the main ones:
- Digestion Aid: Ginger tea can help improve your digestion by alleviating nausea, supporting gut health and reducing any bloating.
- Immune system support: Soothe a cold, sore throat or other respiratory illnesses with this herbal tea.
- Upset stomach relief: It is well-known that ginger is the go-to ingredient for relieving upset stomachs, including motion sickness and nausea/vomiting.
Please note that you should always consult a medical professional before taking any herbs for health purposes.
Ingredient Notes
Making fresh ginger tea at home could not be easier as you only need 4 ingredients.
- Ginger Root: Cut a 1 inch piece from the fresh ginger root. Wash and slice it before adding it to the pot. You do not need to peel it, but you can if you prefer.
- Water: If possible, use filtered water.
- Honey: This is my sweetener of choice for this herbal tea because it is antibacterial. Using honey in tea is great for sore throats and coughs, too!
- Lemon: Serving ginger tea with fresh lemon slices gives it a bit of tang.
How to Make Fresh Ginger Tea
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add fresh ginger slices (with peel is okay) and water.
Bring it to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The infusion will create a light yellow liquid. Keep in mind that the longer you let it simmer, the stronger and spicier the ginger tea will be so you can adjust the duration to your liking.
Remove the saucepan from the heat when you have let the ginger steep for the desired length. Add honey and stir until it dissolves.
Pour the fresh ginger tea through a fine mesh strainer into a serving mug. The fine mesh strainer will catch the ginger pieces so they can easily be removed from the herbal tea.
Add a fresh lemon slice to the serving mug and enjoy!
Variations
This homemade ginger tea recipe can be customized by swapping or adding a few other ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey as the sweetener. This will make it vegan-friendly, too.
- Simmer fresh turmeric or cinnamon with ginger for more spice and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Use orange slices instead of lemon for a different citrus and vitamin C option.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ginger powder instead of fresh ginger root?
Fresh ginger root is recommended to use instead of ginger powder as it is really hard to beat the flavour. It is more complex, brighter, pungent and spicy when compared to the powder version. They are both great for various recipes, but in this case, homemade ginger tea is best when it is made with fresh ginger.
What do I look for when I buy fresh ginger root?
Purchase fresh ginger root that is firm with thin skin and has a spicy aroma. Avoid ginger root that is soft or shrivelled as it may be older and dried out.
Does ginger tea have caffeine?
No. Ginger tea is caffeine-free so feel free to drink this herbal tea any time of the day!
Can I prepare fresh ginger tea in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this tea in advance and even make a larger batch. Just let it cool after preparing and then seal and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it before drinking or you can also drink ginger tea chilled and over ice.
More Herbal Tea Drink Recipes:
Homemade Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 1 inch knob fresh ginger root washed and sliced
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 lemon slice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add fresh ginger slices (with or without peel, your preference) and water.
- Bring it to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The infusion will create a light yellow liquid. Keep in mind that the longer you let it simmer, the stronger and spicier the ginger tea will be so you can adjust the duration to your liking.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat when you have let the ginger steep for the desired length. Add honey and stir until it dissolves.
- Pour the fresh ginger tea through a fine mesh strainer into a serving mug. The fine mesh strainer will catch the ginger pieces so they can easily be removed from the herbal tea.
- Add a fresh lemon slice to the serving mug and enjoy!