I always make sure to have fresh ginger on hand for upset stomachs (especially during early pregnancy!). Ginger root also adds a delicious flavor to drinks, gingerbread, and even iced tea. While it can be a bit spicy on its own, ginger syrup is a flavorful way to add sweetness to beverages and dishes.
This warming herb offers numerous health benefits, such as boosting circulation and immunity, making it perfect for cooler weather.
Ginger Simple Syrup
The traditional ginger syrup recipe uses fresh ginger root and a sweetener like brown sugar or organic cane sugar. Similar to elderberry syrup, the spicy ginger is simmered in liquid, strained, and bottled. However, you can still enjoy the ginger flavor without refined sugar.
This version of ginger syrup involves simmering ginger in water and then combining the strained infusion with raw honey. This not only provides the health benefits of ginger but also includes the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of raw honey.
The Benefits of Ginger
- Relieves muscle aches and pains, including menstrual cramps. Apply ginger-infused oil to sore muscles or add ginger to a hot bath.
- Reduces nausea, indigestion, and vomiting. Enjoy it as a tea or use ginger tincture.
- Soothes coughs and sore throats.
- Boosts circulation, aiding in cold and flu recovery, muscle relief, and providing warmth on chilly days.
- Acts as an antioxidant to combat cancer-causing free radicals.
- Research suggests ginger can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- A 2019 study found that ginger significantly reduced body weight and improved glucose and cholesterol levels.
While ginger tea is a nice evening treat, ginger syrup offers even more versatility!
How To Use Ginger Syrup
Ginger simple syrup is commonly used in cocktail recipes like Moscow mules or the Penicillin. It’s a staple for bartenders but can also be used in healthy mocktails.
I make homemade ginger ale using a ginger bug. While it requires some time and effort to ferment, a quicker option is mixing homemade ginger syrup with sparkling water. Here are more ways to use ginger syrup:
- Add it to hot tea with fresh lemon for a soothing sore throat remedy.
- Take a spoonful for nausea or muscle aches.
- Incorporate it into homemade cranberry sauce.
- Use it in coffee with raw cream or coconut milk for a healthy latte.
- Mix it with lime juice and sparkling water for a healthy soda alternative.
- Sweeten smoothies or salads with ginger syrup.
Flavoring Ginger Simple Syrup
While my homemade cough syrup includes ginger and other herbs, this recipe focuses solely on ginger. However, you can customize it with various flavors like vanilla, citrus zest, or warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves. Other options include rosemary, orange zest, or lemongrass to enhance your ginger syrup recipe.
How to Make Ginger Syru
If you can brew tea, you can make ginger syrup. Start by roughly chopping organic ginger root and simmering it in water. Strain out the solids, stir in raw honey, and your syrup is ready to use!
How to Store Ginger Syrup
Ginger syrup can be stored in the fridge for several weeks. To extend its shelf life, freeze it in ice cube trays for future use.
Have you ever made simple syrup before? How will you use your ginger syrup? Share your thoughts in the comments!