If you’ve never tried homemade ginger lemonade before, you're in for a real treat! I came up with this recipe about ten years ago after tasting a drink that featured ginger, fresh rosemary, and lemon rind. Inspired by those flavors, I thought a lemonade with similar ingredients would be delicious – and I was right!
For this recipe, I like to muddle the ginger and rosemary together. This simple process releases their juices and oils quickly, making the drink ready in no time. Here's an insider tip: letting the lemonade rest for a day transforms it from a tasty drink into an unforgettable experience. Let's dive into making this refreshing recipe.
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Keto
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- Gluten Free
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- Dairy Free
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- Paleo
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- Vegetarian
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- Vegan
Table of Contents
7 Reasons To Love This Recipe
Here are some great reasons to love this unique and flavorful ginger lemonade recipe:
- It’s unlike any other lemonade recipe.
- Very sophisticated flavor profile and super refreshing.
- Can be used as the base for a cocktail easily.
- Perfect for parties, backyard BBQs, or a lazy Sunday afternoon.
- It’s a sugar-free lemonade recipe that tastes even better than regular lemonade.
- It’s low carb and fantastic.
- Ready in minutes without needing any simple syrups.
Is Ginger Lemonade Low Carb?
Ginger lemonade can be low-carb if prepared with the right ingredients. Traditional lemonade often contains sugar, which increases the carbohydrate content. To make a low-carb ginger lemonade, use fresh lemon juice, grated ginger, and a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol instead of sugar. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful and refreshing drink that fits within a low-carb diet.
This recipe contains only 4 g net carbs per serving, which makes it a perfect refreshing drink for those following a low carb diet.
Curious if lemons are low carb? You'll be pleased to discover they are, plus they offer numerous nutritional benefits! Dive into the article now to learn more.
A Refreshing Summer Drink: Ginger Lemonade
When it comes to summer beverages, nothing beats a perfect summer beverage like ginger lemonade. This simple ingredient blend is the ultimate thirst-quencher for hot days. The combination of fresh ginger slices and cups of lemon juice creates a refreshing and tangy treat that everyone will love.
Ginger lemonade is perfect for all your summer gatherings. Serve it in individual glasses over ice for an extra cool experience. The bold flavors of the lemon juice mixture paired with the zing of fresh ginger slices make it a standout choice among summer beverages.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just relaxing on a lazy afternoon, ginger lemonade is your go-to summer drink. Enjoy the zesty flavors and refreshing taste of this easy-to-make beverage all summer long!
Ginger Lemonade Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you'll need to make ginger lemonade:
- 4 cups of cold water
- 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (from about 4 large lemons)
- 1-2” of fresh ginger, peeled and diced
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, stem removed
- ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener
- Ice cubes
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to try these tasty alternatives if you need to switch things up for this healthy lemonade recipe:
- Lemon juice: There really is no substitute for lemon juice in this recipe. Using jarred or canned lemon juice is not a good option as the acidity levels are off. You could use limes, but then it would be a limeade rather than a lemonade.
- Fresh ginger: Ginger is a unique ingredient for this recipe that is difficult to substitute. Please do not use jarred ginger (either sliced, minced, or grated), as it is preserved in a liquid that will make this recipe taste very strange. Powdered ginger does not work either, as it leaves a residue that is unpleasant to drink.
- Fresh rosemary: Yes! Our first substitution has arrived. You can use basil leaves or some fresh mint leaves. They are both delicious!
- Monk fruit sweetener: Go ahead and use stevia, erythritol, allulose, or xylitol. Keep in mind that each of these natural sweeteners has a varying level of sweetness, so you should adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Additional Ingredients
Enhance or customize your ginger drink with these delicious additions:
- Garnish: You could garnish with some lemon slices or lime wedges. I like to run them around the rim and add just a touch of salt to one area on the rim. The salt really opens up the palate to the flavor of the lemonade.
- Powdered vanilla: Just a little goes a long way, but adding a pinch of powdered vanilla pairs really well with this tasty beverage.
- Sparkling water: If you want to make this a carbonated lemonade, it’s really easy to do. First, just make the lemon ginger mixture and set it aside to develop the flavors. Now, add that to a pitcher and then add in 4 cups of sparkling water. Fill some glasses with ice and fill to the top. The perfect sparkling lemonade.
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking.
Tools Required
Here is a list of tools you'll need for this recipe for lemonade:
- Cutting board
- Citrus press or reamer
- Vegetable peeler
- Wooden spoon or muddler
- Strainer
- Pitcher
How To Make Lemonade With Ginger: Complete Cooking Guide
Making this ginger ale lemonade can be really easy just by following these simple steps:
Cooking Method
- No-cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- First, peel the ginger and either slice or dice it. Add to the bottom of a sturdy glass.
- Add the rosemary leaves and about a tablespoon of the sweetener to the glass with the ginger.
- Muddle the ginger and rosemary until they are mashed pretty well.
- Now, let’s press the juice from the lemons. Separate any seeds from the pulp. I keep the pulp to add back into the lemonade as it imparts a nice element to the lemonade. Add the juice to the carafe of a blender.
- Add the natural sweetener of choice to the blender and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Combine the sweetened lemon juice with the muddled ginger and rosemary. Mix well.
- Pour the water into a pitcher. Add in the lemon mixture. Cover with plastic wrap. Allow the flavors to develop for at least an hour in the refrigerator. I find that it tastes even better if allowed to rest overnight.
- Strain the ginger and rosemary leaves from the lemonade.
- Fill glasses to the top with ice and pour the ginger lemonade over. Enjoy cold!
Step 1: Squeeze the lemon to extract the juice, removing any seeds.
Step 2: Add fresh ginger slices, rosemary leaves, and monk fruit sweetener to a glass.
Step 3: Muddle the ginger and rosemary with the sweetener until well mashed.
Step 4: Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice into a blender cup.
Step 5: Add additional monk fruit sweetener to the lemon juice in the blender.
Step 6: Blend the lemon juice and sweetener until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Step 7: Pour the blended lemon mixture into a glass pitcher.
Step 8: Add cold water to the pitcher with the lemon mixture."
Step 9: Stir the ginger lemonade thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
💡 My Pro Tips
I've got a few handy tips to help you make the best ginger lemonade:
- Lemon juice to water ratio: The perfect balance for lemonade is a 1:4 ratio of lemon juice to water. So, if you want 10 cups of lemonade, use 2 cups of lemon juice and 8 cups of water. This ratio works for limeade, too.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lemonade to rest is crucial. The oils from the rosemary and the juice from the muddled ginger need time to infuse. While you can strain the ginger and rosemary quickly, the flavor won't develop as nicely. I recommend letting it rest for about 24 hours for the best taste.
- Add ice to the glass, not the pitcher: Never add ice directly to the pitcher of lemonade, as it will dilute the flavor. Instead, put the ice in your glass to keep the lemonade perfectly balanced.
- Strain the ginger and rosemary: While you can drink the lemonade without straining the ginger and rosemary, it's not ideal. The rosemary can get stuck in your teeth, and the ginger is quite pungent if chewed. I always strain the lemonade for a smoother drink.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
Save time and enjoy your ginger lemonade with these handy tips:
- Make a double batch: I always make a double batch of this ginger lemonade because it never goes to waste. My kids can make a single batch disappear in minutes, so making more saves me from setting up repeatedly.
- Freeze into a concentrate: For a convenient option, make a concentrate by omitting the water. Follow all the steps, including letting the lemon ginger mixture rest, but without adding the water. Strain the mixture into a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready for lemonade, just add the contents of the bag to a pitcher with 4 cups of water and stir.
- Use an electric citrus press: An electric citrus press, like my Breville Citrus Press, speeds through lemons or limes quickly. I usually bring out this machine when making enough lemonade for a party or to freeze a large batch. The setup and cleanup take a bit of time, but it's worth it for every ounce of juice!
What To Serve With Ginger Lemonade?
My kids love to have lemonade with their favorite snacks and treats. Here are some perfect pairings for this refreshing drink:
- Keto Cheese Chips: These crispy, cheesy chips are a fantastic low carb snack. They pair perfectly with the ginger flavor of the lemonade.
- Zucchini Fries: Light and crunchy zucchini fries make a great match for ginger lemonade. The mild flavor of the zucchini complements the fresh lemon juice.
- Keto Pepperoni Chips: For a savory and satisfying option, try keto pepperoni chips. The spicy, salty taste goes well with the refreshing citrus drink.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These slightly sweet and crispy fries are a crowd favorite. They balance the tanginess of the lemonade beautifully.
- Keto Brownies: For a sweet treat, serve keto brownies with a pitcher of ginger lemonade. Their rich, chocolatey flavor is a delightful contrast to the tangy lemon juice.
Storage And Freezing Instructions
Storage Tips
After letting the rosemary and robust ginger flavor infuse the lemonade and straining out the solids, I tightly cover the pitcher with plastic wrap. Everyone in my family knows how to remove the plastic, pour the lemonade over ice, and recover the pitcher. Using this method, the lemonade lasts for over a week. However, it’s usually gone within a day in our house!
Freezing Tips
You can freeze this homemade lemonade as a concentrate (see the Time-Saving Tips above) or freeze the entire batch (if you have enough freezer space). At my house, concentrate is the way to go due to limited space. Both the concentrate and regular lemonade can be frozen for six to nine months. To serve, defrost the lemonade in the refrigerator overnight or add the concentrate to water and stir to dissolve.
Besides that, you can also try the ice cube trays hack. Just take the lemonade cubes whenever you need to enjoy the refreshing lemonade.
Recipe Conclusion
This Ginger Lemonade Recipe brings a sophisticated twist to traditional lemonade. The blend of ginger pieces, rosemary, and lemon creates a refreshing and delightful drink that everyone loves. I’ve served this at summer weddings and family gatherings, and it’s always the first non-alcoholic beverage to disappear.
It's also a fantastic base for cocktails, perfect for any hot day.
I created this recipe after tasting a wonderful flavor combination at a restaurant in Spain. Over time, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe to achieve the perfect balance that’s universally enjoyed. I’m confident you’ll love it too.
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Other Beverages To Try
FAQs
The best method is to muddle the fresh ginger and then add it to the lemonade. Allow the ginger to steep into the lemonade for at least an hour and strain it out. Now you have ginger infused lemonade.
Absolutely. The flavor profile of ginger matches that of lemon, so when they are combined with a sweetener, they not only taste good but are a very refreshing combination as well.
Ginger Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cold water
- 1 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed (from about 4 large lemons)
- 1-2 ” of fresh ginger peeled and diced
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary stem removed
- ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- First, peel the ginger and either slice or dice it. Add to the bottom of a sturdy glass.
- Add the rosemary leaves and about a tablespoon of the sweetener to the glass with the ginger.
- Muddle the ginger and rosemary until they are mashed pretty well.
- Now, let’s press the juice from the lemons. Separate any seeds from the pulp. I keep the pulp to add back into the lemonade as it imparts a nice element to the lemonade. Add the juice to the carafe of a blender.
- Add the natural sweetener of choice to the blender and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Combine the sweetened lemon juice with the muddled ginger and rosemary. Mix well.
- Pour the water into a pitcher. Add in the lemon mixture. Cover with plastic wrap. Allow the flavors to develop for at least an hour in the refrigerator. I find that it tastes even better if allowed to rest overnight.
- Strain the ginger and rosemary leaves from the lemonade.
- Fill glasses to the top with ice and pour the ginger lemonade over. Enjoy cold!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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