Refreshing Iced Ginger Lemonade
Jump to RecipeI LOVE a cold glass of lemonade during the summer. For some reason, I always crave the citrus flavor whenever the sun is shining and it’s above 75 degrees outside. However, lemonade can contain A LOT of sugar. I know when I was younger I always assumed lemonade was a healthier alternative to soda, but then when I checked the nutrition facts on the back of the bottle I was sadly mistaken. Unfortunately, lemonade contains around the same amount of sugar as soda. So, in attempt to still enjoy a classic summer beverage, I went to work in the kitchen.
I came up with the most refreshing iced ginger lemonade. Sweetened with honey and a little bubbly thanks to the splash of seltzer water. I was so happy about this drink that I immediately made a second one to enjoy later that afternoon. The flavors taste absolutely perfect together and they offer so many benefits to your body!
I’ve recently gotten into medicinal herbs. It’s fascinating to me how herbs can heal the body in the most beautiful and efficient ways. I’ve been researching natural concoctions to use or make instead of quickly turning to a quick fix or some type of drug store alternative. Don’t get me wrong, over the counter drugs are important when it comes to certain ailments, but sometimes I feel a more natural approach is just as necessary to try first. Anyways, within my research I came across the positive health effects of ginger. Now, this came as no surprise, because we all know ginger is a great for upset stomachs and boosting our immune system. However, I came to realize it does so much more!
Below I’ve listed the benefits of ginger, according to Rosemary Gladstar (a magnificent woman in the world of medicinal herbs).
- Ginger is an antiseptic, meaning it can help cleanse the gut and heal infection.
- Ginger helps with blood circulation in the pelvic region and is a life saver for those who suffer from menstrual cramps or nausea.
- Ginger contains a proteolytic enzyme which has been shown to aid in reducing inflammation and can help with pain in joints and tissue.
- Ginger has been confirmed in various studies to lower blood triglycerides linked to diabetes and heart disease.
- Ginger has been proven in several clinical studies to be more effective than over the counter drugs for motion sickness, sea sickness and nausea.
Ginger is a root; therefore, it grows beneath the soil, collecting all sorts of nutrients + vitamins. It’s been used for centuries to help with illness and not only is it amazing in that aspect, but it also tastes amazing!
How to make Refreshing Iced Ginger Lemonade
Making this drink will only take 10-15 minutes and it’s honestly worth the little bit of a wait. You simply grate 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger root. Then you boil your freshly grated ginger with 1 cup of cold water. Once it comes to a boil you turn off the heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. While the ginger steeps, juice one lemon in a large glass and add your desired amount of honey. After your ginger has steeped for 10 minutes, you want to pour it through a fine mesh strainer, into your glass with the lemon and honey. Stir until honey is completely dissolved and add 1 cup of ice followed by a splash of plain seltzer water. Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy!
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Ginger Root
- Lemon
- Raw honey
- Ice
- Plain seltzer water
Why you’ll love this drink?
This refreshing iced ginger lemonade is packed full of amazing nutrients (previously mentioned), is relatively easy to make and you can also make ahead to enjoy later. Sometimes I’ll make a triple or even quadruple batch to enjoy for a few days. I store it in a large pitcher and refrigerate. The lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator and lasts up to 3+ weeks. I highly recommend NOT adding the seltzer water until you’re ready to enjoy. If you add the seltzer water and let the drink sit in the refrigerator for more than a few days, then the carbonation will become flat. Ginger lemonade tastes best fresh. It’s sweetened with raw honey instead of processed sugars and makes you feel so lively afterwards.
Refreshing Iced Ginger Lemonade
Equipment
- grater
- small sauce pan
- Stove top
- handheld juicer
- mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 cup cold filtered water
- 1-2 lemons juiced
- 1-2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 cup ice
- 1 splash plain seltzer water
Instructions
- Grate 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger and add to a small sauce pan with 1 cup of cold, filtered water. Place on stove top on high heat until water begins to boil. Once water boils, turn off heat, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
- While ginger is steeping begin juicing your lemon(s). Add your lemon juice to a large glass along with 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey. I personally thought 1.5 tablespoons was perfect, but you can add or subtract.
- After 10 minutes, pour your ginger water through a mesh strainer into your glass with lemon juice and honey. Stir with a spoon until honey is dissolved. Immediately add ice and a splash of seltzer water and enjoy!
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Until next time,
stay sweet.
-Ashley