I often keep fresh ginger in case of an upset stomach (can be a lifesaver during early pregnancy!). Ginger root it also adds a delicious flavor to drinks, gingerbread and even iced tea. It can be a little spicy on its own, but ginger syrup is a delicious way to add a little sweetness to drinks and dishes.
This warming herb has many health benefits and boosts circulation and immunity. It's perfect (and delicious!) for cooler weather.
Ginger simple syrup
The traditional recipe for ginger syrup uses fresh ginger root and a sweetener, such as brown sugar or organic cane sugar. Similar to elder syrupspicy ginger is boiled in liquid, then strained and bottled. However, you can get the taste of ginger without highly refined sugar.
This version of ginger syrup boils 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 anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Benefits of Ginger
If I don't have fresh ginger in my fridge, you're sure to find dried ginger in my pantry! I found it very helpful for first trimester nausea and the kids love it for upset stomachs. Here are some of the health benefits of ginger:
- It helps to calm down muscle pain and pain, including menstrual cramps. Rub ginger-infused oil on sore muscles, or add some dry or fresh to a hot bath.
- Reduces nausea, indigestion and vomiting. Drink it as a tea or use ginger tincture.
- It calms the cough and helps with sore throat.
- Stimulates circulation. This helps speed up recovery from colds and flu, soothes sore muscles and warms the body on cold days.
- It is an antioxidant that helps fight cancer-causing free radicals.
- Some research suggests that ginger may help maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.
- A 2019 meta-analysis found that ginger significantly reduced 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 evening, ginger syrup is even more versatile!
How to use ginger syrup
Ginger simple syrup is most often used in cocktail recipes like the Moscow Mule Old Fashioned or the latest Penicillin. While it may be a staple for bartenders, there's only so much you can do healthy mocktails with him too.
I use a ginger bug to make homemade ginger ale (also known as ginger beer). While the process is quite simple, it does require some time and practice for fermentation. Simply pouring some homemade ginger syrup into sparkling water or soda is an even faster way to make your own variation of ginger ale. Here are some other 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 pain, etc.
- Add some to homemade cranberry sauce.
- Use it in coffee with some raw cream or coconut milk for a healthy latte.
- Combine with lime juice and sparkling water for a healthy sparkling water.
- Use it to sweeten smoothies, like this one creamy pumpkin smoothie.
- Make a vinaigrette with ginger syrup and apple cider vinegar for salads.
Ginger flavored simple syrup
My homemade cough syrup combines an herbal 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 though with different tastes.
Add some vanilla for a ginger vanilla syrup that's delicious ice cream. Or simmer some lemon zest and lime with ginger for a citrus flavor. You can also add other warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom or cloves for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial power. Rosemary, orange peel, and lemon grass are also good options in a ginger syrup recipe.
How to make ginger syrup
If you can make tea, then you can make ginger syrup. Start by roughly chopping organic ginger root. If the pieces are too big, they will not fill as well, but if they are small, then they are more difficult to drain. Once the water has been infused with the ginger, simply strain out the solids and stir in the raw honey. Now your syrup is ready to use!
Ginger syrup recipe
This simple simple syrup tastes great in mixed drinks or mixed into tea. Get all the health benefits of ginger in one easy-to-use syrup!
- ⅓ CUP fresh ginger root (roughly cut)
- 4 CUPS water
- 1 CUP raw honey
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Add the ginger and water to a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. You want the liquid to reduce to 1 cup, so partially cover the pot to allow the steam to escape.
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Strain the ginger pieces and pour the ginger infusion into a heat-safe glass jar. A Mason jar works well for this. If you have more than 1 cup, boil some more. If there is less than 1 cup, then add more water to make 1 cup.
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Stir in the raw honey.
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Store the ginger syrup in the refrigerator. This will last for about 2 weeks or can be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition facts
Ginger syrup recipe
Amount per serving (1 tablespoon)
Calories 33
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.01 g0%
Saturated fat 0.002 g0%
Unsaturated fat 0.002 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.002 g
Sodium 1 mg0%
potassium 10 mg0%
Carbohydrates 9 g3%
Fiber 0.04 g0%
Sugar 9 gr10%
Protein 0.1 g0%
Vitamin C 0.1 mg0%
Calcium 1 mg0%
Iron 0.1 mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This syrup is very thin. If you want a thicker syrup, you can boil the honey with ginger, but then it won't be raw.
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 before? How will you use your ginger syrup? Leave a comment and let us know!
