Easy Ginger Lemonade Recipe (Fresh & Refreshing)

There’s something so refreshing about a cold glass of ginger lemonade, especially when it’s made from scratch. It’s bright, zesty, and has just the right balance of tangy lemon and warm, spicy ginger. Every sip feels clean, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.

What I love most about this ginger lemonade is how simple it is. You only need a handful of real ingredients, and the flavor tastes way better than anything bottled. It’s perfect for hot days, cozy afternoons, or anytime you want a drink that feels both refreshing and homemade.

Whether you’re serving it to guests or making a pitcher just for yourself, this ginger lemonade comes together easily and always feels like a little treat. Light, energizing, and naturally delicious—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

More Drink Recipes

• Non-Alcoholic Holiday Punch
• Hugo Spritz Recipe
• Strawberry Margarita Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you need to make fresh, homemade ginger lemonade:

• 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  (about 4–5 fresh lemons)
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
  (for simmering the ginger)
• 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
  (adjust to taste for more or less spice)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  (or honey/maple syrup to taste)
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold water
  (to dilute and balance the lemonade)
• Ice cubes, for serving

Optional ingredients:

• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, for a refreshing twist
• A pinch of turmeric, for extra warmth and color

INSTRUCTIONS (Ginger Lemonade)

1. Prepare the ginger infusion.
   Add the sliced ginger and 2 cups (480 ml) water to a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, depending on how strong you want the ginger flavor.
2. Sweeten the ginger water.
   While the mixture is still hot, stir in the ½ cup (100 g) sugar until it fully dissolves. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the ginger syrup cool slightly.
3. Strain the ginger syrup.
   Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently on the ginger to extract all that flavorful liquid. Discard the ginger slices.
4. Add the lemon juice.
   Stir in the 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined.
5. Dilute and chill.
   Add the remaining 2 cups (480 ml) cold water and stir. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
6. Serve and enjoy.
   Fill glasses with ice, pour in the ginger lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint if desired.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Tips for the best flavor

• Simmer the ginger longer for a stronger, spicier kick, or keep it closer to 10 minutes for a mild, smooth taste.
• Always add the lemon juice after the ginger mixture cools slightly to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
• Taste before chilling and adjust sweetness or water so the balance feels just right for you.

Easy variations

• Honey Ginger Lemonade: Replace sugar with ½ cup (170 g) honey for a softer, natural sweetness.
• Sparkling Ginger Lemonade: Swap the cold water for chilled sparkling water right before serving.
• Mint Ginger Lemonade: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pitcher for an extra refreshing twist.
• Iced Ginger Lemonade Concentrate: Use less water and serve over plenty of ice for a bolder flavor.

Make-ahead & storage

• Store ginger lemonade in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Stir well before serving, as natural separation can happen.

SERVING IDEAS

• Everyday refreshment: Serve this ginger lemonade over plenty of ice in tall glasses for a simple, refreshing drink any time of day.
• Summer gatherings: Pour it into a large pitcher with lemon slices and mint leaves—it looks beautiful on a table and guests love it.
• Brunch or lunch: Pair ginger lemonade with light meals like salads, grilled chicken, or sandwiches for a bright, citrusy contrast.
• Relaxing evenings: Serve it chilled with sparkling water and a lemon twist for a mocktail-style drink.
• Wellness-style serve: Enjoy a small glass lightly chilled (not icy) as a soothing, refreshing drink after meals.

FAQs

Recipe

Yield: 1 pitcher

Easy Ginger Lemonade

Print

This refreshing ginger lemonade is bright, zesty, and perfectly balanced with real ginger and fresh lemon. Simple to make and so satisfying.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups (480 ml) water (for simmering ginger)
• 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup to taste)
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold water
• Ice cubes, for serving

Optional:

• lemon slices
• fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. Add the sliced ginger and 2 cups (480 ml) water to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
   
2. Stir in the ½ cup (100 g) sugar while the mixture is hot until fully dissolved.
   
3. Remove from heat and strain the ginger syrup into a pitcher. Discard the ginger.
   
4. Stir in the 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice.
   
5. Add the remaining 2 cups (480 ml) cold water and mix well.
   
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes, then serve over ice.
   

Notes

Simmer ginger longer for a stronger, spicier flavor.

Adjust sweetness and water to taste before chilling.

Stir before serving if separation occurs.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Carbohydrates: 28g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

I truly hope you give this ginger lemonade a try. It’s one of those simple recipes that feels special every single time you make it—fresh, bright, and so refreshing with that gentle ginger kick. Once you taste it homemade, it’s hard to go back to anything bottled.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you can make it again later, especially on warm days when you’re craving something light and cooling. Sharing it with friends or family is always a great idea too.

I’d love to hear how your ginger lemonade turned out 💛 Did you keep it classic, or add your own twist? Leave a comment and let me know—I always enjoy reading your feedback!