Ginger Mint Lemonade
There is a reason lemonade is a staple for hot days. It is not only refreshing and hydrating, but as with this Ginger Mint Lemonade, it also offers several health benefits. This version relies on natural honey for sweetness, while the lemons and cranberry juice provide Vitamin C, the ginger aids digestion, and the mint adds antioxidants.
Table of Contents
The infusion of ginger, mint, and cranberry juice creates a crisp, layered flavor that is especially thirst-quenching in the summer heat.
A Natural Way to Sweeten and Color
To keep the recipe free from added sugar, look for a cranberry juice that is naturally fruit-sweetened rather than one with added cane sugar. Beyond the tart flavor, a fun visual benefit of adding cranberry is that it naturally transforms the drink into a vibrant pink lemonade.
A Better Way to Sweeten
I use honey in this drink over sugar for two reasons. It is better for you and it also dissolves better than white sugar. You can also use agave or simple syrup.
Customizing your Lemonade
A very kid-friendly drink, I have included an option to make this lemonade grown-up. Just add vodka, gin or light rum. Be warned, it goes down very easily and you wouldn’t even know it’s spiked.
The Infusion Process
This begins by heating the lemon juice in a pan with the fresh ginger pieces and mint. While heating citrus may seem unusual, this step is essential to extract the full flavor of the botanicals. Much like steeping a tea. This ensures the ginger and mint are thoroughly infused rather than just floating in the glass.
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- Watermelon Agua Fresca: A cooling blend of fresh watermelon with a subtle jalapeño kick for a crisp, energizing finish.
More Refreshing Spring and Summer Drinks
Ginger Mint Lemonade
Video
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups (1 liter) water
- 1 ½ cups (354 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup (170 grams) honey, or 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar (or to taste)
- 2- inch (5cm) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into slices
- 1 fist full fresh mint leaves
- ⅓ cup (78 ml) cranberry juice, chilled
- 1 cup (236 ml) vodka, optional
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- To a large saucepan add the water, lemon juice, honey, ginger slices and mint and stir. Bring to a simmer, remove from the heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a pitcher and mix in the cranberry juice Refrigerate until cool.
- To serve pour over ice.
- Add 3 ounces of vodka (optional), Garnish with lemon slices.
Hi, does the lemon juice go in the pot with the water, honey, ginger and mint? Or after the mixture cools down?
Yes, the lemon juice goes in the pan with the water, honey, ginger and mint. Let me know if you have any more questions and enjoy.
I made this for memorial day and they went down very well 🙂
They do have a tendency to do that 🙂
Perfect summertime drink! Who said the Vodka was optional.
I like how you think Peter 🙂
This has brought a little extra sunshine to our unseasonably warm September! Very nice indeed. Thanks for taking the time out to share this gem 🙂 Jennie x
Thank you Jennie
These look so refreshing and just perfect for summer!
Thank you Dan
Yum and yum! Nothing goes better with summer than a refreshing drink like this.
I am loving this! Mint, ginger, cranberry – sounds divine!