Hot Ginger Syrup Recipe

I often have fresh ginger on hand in case of an upset stomach (it can be a lifesaver during the early stages of pregnancy!). Ginger root also adds a tasty flavor to drinks, gingerbread, and even iced tea. On its own it can be a little spicy, but ginger syrup is a tasty way to add a little sweetness to drinks and dishes.

This warming herb has tons of health benefits and boosts circulation and immunity. It’s perfect (and tasty!) for cooler weather.

Ginger Simple Syrup

The traditional ginger syrup recipe uses fresh ginger root and a sweetener, such as brown sugar or organic cane sugar. Similar to elderberry syrup, spicy ginger is simmered in a liquid, then strained and bottled. However, you can still get the ginger flavor without highly refined sugar.

This version of ginger syrup simmers ginger in water and then mixes the strained infusion with raw honey. Not only do you get the health benefits of ginger, but raw honey also offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The benefits of ginger

If I don’t have fresh ginger in my refrigerator, you’re sure to find dried ginger in my pantry! I found it very useful for nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy and children like it for upset stomachs. Here are some of the health benefits of ginger:

• Helps soothe muscle aches and pains, including menstrual cramps. Rub ginger oil on sore muscles or add some dried or fresh to a hot bath.
• Reduces nausea, indigestion and vomiting. Drink as tea or use ginger tincture.
• Soothes cough and helps with sore throats.
• Stimulates circulation. This helps speed recovery from cold and flu, soothe sore muscles, and warm the body on cold days.
• It is an antioxidant that helps fight cancer caused by free radicals.
• Some research suggests that ginger may help maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.
• A 2019 meta-analysis found that ginger significantly decreased body weight, improved fasting glucose and insulin resistance, and improved cholesterol balance.

While a cup of ginger tea is a nice way to end the night, ginger syrup is even more versatile!

How to use ginger syrup

Ginger simple syrup is most often used in cocktail recipes like the old-fashioned Moscow mule or the more recent Penicillin. While it may be a bartender staple, you can also make many healthy mocktails with it.

I use a ginger bug to make homemade ginger ale (also known as ginger beer). While the process is fairly simple, it requires some hands-on time and time to ferment. Simply pouring some homemade ginger syrup into sparkling water or soda is an even quicker way to make your own ginger ale variation. Here are a few more ways to use ginger syrup:

• Pour some into hot tea and add a squeeze of fresh lemon to soothe a sore throat.
• Take a small spoonful as needed for nausea, muscle aches, etc.
• Add a little to homemade cranberry sauce.
• Use it in coffee with a little raw cream or coconut milk for a healthy latte.
• Combine it with lime juice and sparkling water for a healthy sparkling water.
• Use it to sweeten smoothies, like this creamy pumpkin smoothie.
• Make a vinaigrette with ginger syrup and apple cider vinegar for salads.

Ginger Flavoring Simple Syrup

My homemade cough syrup combines an infusion of ginger and other herbs with lemon juice and honey. This recipe is similar but eliminates the other herbs. There are many ways to customize it to your liking, although with different flavors.

Add a little vanilla for a vanilla ginger syrup that’s great with ice cream. Or simmer some lemon and lime zest with ginger for a citrus flavor. You can even add other warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves for a powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Rosemary, orange zest, and lemongrass are also good choices in a ginger syrup recipe.

How to make ginger syrup

If you can make tea, you can make ginger syrup. Start by coarsely chopping the organic ginger root. If the pieces are too large, they will not infuse as well, but if they are small, they will be more difficult to strain. Once the water is infused with ginger, simply strain out the solids and add the raw honey. Now your syrup is ready to use!

How to store ginger syrup

This will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator. While honey has a long shelf life (it was even found in Egyptian tombs!), herbal tea does not. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and use as needed.

Have you ever made simple syrup? How will you use your ginger syrup? Leave a comment and let us know!