Lemon Ginger Water is a refreshing infused beverage that combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon with the warm, slightly spicy taste of fresh ginger. The result is a light, flavorful drink that contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or refined sugar. This easy homemade recipe requires only a few fresh ingredients and just a few minutes of preparation. Once the lemon and ginger have had time to infuse the water, you’ll have a naturally flavored drink that’s perfect for breakfast, after a workout, during warm weather, or anytime you want a refreshing alternative to sugary beverages.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 to 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced or grated
- 8 cups cold filtered water
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves
- Optional: Thin cucumber slices
- Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons honey
- Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- Optional: Fresh turmeric slices
- Optional: Pinch of ground turmeric
- Optional: Orange slices
- Optional: Lime slices
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Wash the lemon thoroughly under cool running water. If using conventional lemons, gently scrub the peel to remove any residue. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the lemon into thin, even slices. Remove any visible seeds.
- Peel the ginger using a spoon or vegetable peeler. Slice it into thin rounds. If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, grate the ginger instead.
- Place the sliced lemon into a large glass pitcher. Add the prepared ginger. If using optional ingredients such as mint or cucumber, add them now.
- Pour 8 cups of cold filtered water into the pitcher. Use a long spoon to gently stir the ingredients to distribute the lemon and ginger evenly.
- Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For a stronger flavor, allow the water to infuse for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- After the infusion period, taste the water. If you’d like more citrus flavor, add several extra lemon slices. For additional warmth, include a few more slices of fresh ginger. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, stir in honey or maple syrup until dissolved.
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the infused water over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, cucumber ribbons, or ginger slices. Serve immediately while cold.
Notes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes. Infusion Time: 1 to 6 hours. Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (minimum). Yield: About 8 cups (approximately 2 liters). Servings: 8 glasses. Warm Option: Heat water until hot but not boiling, place lemon and ginger in a mug, pour hot water over ingredients, let steep for 5 to 10 minutes, remove ginger if desired, and add honey to taste. Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours. Remove lemon slices after one day if storing longer to prevent bitterness.
