Lemon Ginger Drink
This post may contain affiliate links.Lemon Ginger Drink is zesty, aromatic, and easy to love—whether you sip it hot on a rainy day or iced under the sun. This citrusy-spicy combo is comforting and refreshing, the kind of feel-good drink you’ll want on repeat.
Let me tell you about one of my favorite feel-good drinks: Lemon Ginger Drink. It’s super simple—just lemon, ginger, and rock sugar. That’s it. Nothing fancy, but it tastes amazing and always hits the spot. The ingredients are easy to find and come together so quickly, it’s kind of my go-to when I want something warm and comforting or cool and refreshing.
You can drink it hot on a chilly morning to wake yourself up gently, or serve it iced in the afternoon when you need something light and refreshing. Either way, that little kick from the ginger and the brightness from the lemon just works. It’s soothing, energizing, and kind of like a hug in a cup.
If you’re out of rock sugar or just want to switch things up, try sweetening it with a spoonful of homemade Golden Syrup—it adds a lovely caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with ginger.
And if you’re into drinks like this, you have to try my Butterfly Pea Flower Drink, Lemongrass Pandan Drink, and Red Ginger Drink too—they’re all super easy and just as satisfying.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Rock sugar – Rock sugar has a milder, more subtle sweetness compared to regular granulated sugar. If you’re using white sugar instead, reduce the amount—don’t substitute 1:1, as it will taste noticeably sweeter.
Pandan leaves (optional) – Adding a knot of pandan leaves while simmering the ginger brings an extra layer of aroma and a slightly floral, vanilla-like note. It’s a lovely Southeast Asian touch if you have pandan on hand.
Lemon – Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but it won’t have the same brightness or depth.
Ginger – Young ginger is milder and less fibrous, perfect if you want a gentler heat. Mature ginger will give the drink more punch and a deeper flavor.
Variations
Black Pepper or Cayenne Pepper – Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of black pepper or cayenne for some extra heat and depth.
Ground Turmeric – A small dash of ground turmeric adds earthiness and a warm golden hue. It blends beautifully with the ginger.
Green Tea – Brew a cup of green tea and mix it with your lemon ginger drink for a subtle, earthy twist. It’s a refreshing combo, especially when served cold.
Butterfly Pea Flower / Lemongrass – Mix it with butterfly pea flower or lemongrass.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make
STEP 1. Wash the ginger thoroughly. Slice it or gently crush it using the handle of a cleaver. Add the ginger, rock sugar, and pandan leaves to a pot (Image 1). Pour in the water (Image 2) and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer (Images 3, 4).
STEP 2. When it’s done, strain the ginger water. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a bottle or glass (Image 5).
STEP 3. Once cooled, add lemon slices and let them infuse for at least 1 hour or overnight for a stronger flavor (Image 6).
Pro Tips
- Crush the ginger – It brings out more flavor than slicing alone.
- Simmer gently – Once it boils, turn the heat low to avoid bitterness.
- Add lemon later – Let the drink cool first so the lemon stays fresh, not bitter.
- Sweeten to taste – Rock sugar is mild, but you can swap in honey or golden syrup.
- Serve hot or cold – Chill first if serving cold to keep the flavor strong.
FAQs about Lemon Ginger Drink
Yes, you can enjoy lemon ginger drink daily! Just keep the ingredients balanced to suit your taste, and feel free to adjust the sweetness or strength of the ginger depending on your preference.
It really depends on your mood and the weather. Hot lemon ginger drink is cozy and soothing, while the iced version is super refreshing—perfect for warmer days.
You can enjoy it anytime, but many people love starting their day with a warm cup to gently wake up the senses. It’s also great in the afternoon for a little pick-me-up or even after meals.
Absolutely! You can make a batch, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
I usually use rock sugar for a gentle sweetness, but you can also use honey, palm sugar, or even skip the sweetener if you prefer it tart and strong.
Storage
Store the drink in a bottle with lemon slices for up to 5 days in the chiller. Enjoy it cold. Or if you want it warm, you can reheat without the lemon slices.
More Asian Drink Recipes
- Earl Grey Milk Tea
- Rose Milk Tea
- Assam Milk Tea
- Oolong Milk Tea
- Butterfly Pea Flower Latte
- Strawberry Milk
Lemon Ginger Drink
Ingredients
- 200 gr ginger
- 200 gr rock sugar
- 2 pcs pandan leaves optional
- 3000 cc water
- 2 slices lemon
Instructions
- Wash the ginger thoroughly. Slice it or gently crush it using the handle of a cleaver. Add the ginger, rock sugar, and pandan leaves to a pot. Pour in the water and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- When it’s done, strain the ginger water. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a bottle or glass .
- Once cooled, add lemon slices and let them infuse for at least 1 hour or overnight for a stronger flavor. Enjoy your drink!
Video
Notes
- Crush the ginger – It brings out more flavor than slicing alone.
- Simmer gently – Once it boils, turn the heat low to avoid bitterness.
- Add lemon later – Let the drink cool first so the lemon stays fresh, not bitter.
- Sweeten to taste – Rock sugar is mild, but you can swap in honey or golden syrup.
- Serve hot or cold – Chill first if serving cold to keep the flavor strong.
I always make this refreshing drink in the chiller at least once a month. My friends and family love it so much! It is so easy to make it in a batch and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.