Ingredients
- 2 liters (8 cups) water
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced or grated
- 2 large lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons honey, optional
- A few fresh mint leaves, optional
- Ice cubes for serving, optional
Instructions
- Pour the water into a large saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Add the sliced or grated ginger. Reduce the heat and gently simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, cover, and allow the ginger to steep for another 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a pitcher and let it cool slightly.
- Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Add honey if you’d like a little sweetness and stir until dissolved.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add several thin lemon slices after the water has cooled.
- Serve warm immediately, or refrigerate for 2–3 hours and serve chilled over ice.
- Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator and use within about 2–3 days.
Optional variations
For extra flavor, add fresh mint, a cinnamon stick, or a small pinch of turmeric while the ginger steeps. For a sparkling version, mix equal parts chilled ginger-lemon water and unsweetened sparkling water just before serving.
Tip: Start with a moderate amount of ginger and adjust to taste—it can become quite spicy when steeped for a long time.