Ginger Warming Syrup Recipe

I often keep fresh ginger on hand for soothing upset stomachs (it can be a real lifesaver in the early stages of pregnancy!). Ginger root also imparts a delightful flavor to drinks, gingerbread, and even iced tea. On its own, it may be a bit spicy, but ginger syrup sweetens and adds flavor to both beverages and dishes.

This warming herb offers numerous health benefits and enhances circulation and immunity, making it ideal (and delicious!) for cooler weather.

Ginger Simple Syrup

The classic ginger syrup recipe involves fresh ginger root and a sweetener, such as brown sugar or organic cane sugar. Similar to elderberry syrup, the spicy ginger is simmered in liquid, then strained and bottled. You can still enjoy the ginger flavor without using highly refined sugar.

This version of ginger syrup infuses ginger in water and then combines the strained liquid with raw honey. This way, you not only receive the health benefits of ginger but also the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits of raw honey.

The Benefits of Ginger

If there’s no fresh ginger in my fridge, you’ll certainly find dried ginger in my pantry! I’ve found it quite effective for alleviating first trimester pregnancy nausea, and the kids like it for upset tummies. Here are more health benefits of ginger:

Soothes muscle aches and pains, including menstrual cramps. Use ginger-infused oil on sore muscles or add some dried or fresh ginger to a hot bath.
Reduces nausea, indigestion, and vomiting. Sip it as tea or use ginger tincture.
Calms a cough and eases sore throats.
Enhances circulation, which aids cold and flu recovery, relieves sore muscles, and warms you on cold days.
Acts as an antioxidant, combating cancer-causing free radicals.
Some research indicates ginger can support healthy blood sugar balance.
A 2019 meta-analysis found ginger significantly reduced body weight, improved fasting glucose and insulin resistance, and enhanced cholesterol balance.

Sipping a cup of ginger tea is a delightful way to end the evening, but ginger syrup offers even greater versatility!

How to Use Ginger Syrup

Ginger simple syrup is commonly used in cocktails like the Moscow mule or the newer Penicillin. Though a staple for bartenders, it can also be used to make a wide array of healthy mocktails.

I use a ginger bug to create homemade ginger ale (also known as ginger beer). While the process is straightforward, it requires some hands-on time and fermentation. For a quicker version, simply add some homemade ginger syrup to sparkling water or club soda. Here are more ways to use ginger syrup:

Add it to hot tea with a squeeze of lemon to soothe a sore throat.
Take a small spoonful as needed for nausea, muscle aches, etc.
Mix it into homemade cranberry sauce.
Stir it into coffee with raw cream or coconut milk for a healthy latte.
Combine it with lime juice and sparkling water for a healthy soda.
Sweeten smoothies with it, like a creamy pumpkin smoothie.
Make a vinaigrette by combining ginger syrup and apple cider vinegar for salads.

Flavoring Ginger Simple Syrup

My homemade cough syrup blends an herbal ginger infusion with lemon juice and honey. This recipe is similar but omits the additional herbs. You can customize it with various flavors to suit your preferences.

Add a touch of vanilla for a ginger vanilla syrup perfect on ice cream. Or, simmer some lemon and lime zest with the ginger for a citrus flavor. Other warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves for an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial boost can be added as well. Rosemary, orange zest, and lemongrass also work well in a ginger syrup recipe.

How to Make Ginger Syrup

If you can brew tea, you can make ginger syrup. Begin by roughly chopping organic ginger root. Smaller pieces won’t infuse well, while tiny pieces are tougher to strain out. Once the water is infused with ginger, simply strain out the solids and stir in raw honey. Your syrup is now ready to go!

Ginger Syrup Recipe

This simple syrup is easily added to drinks or stirred into tea, offering the health benefits of ginger in a convenient syrup form.

Ingredients:

⅓ cup fresh ginger root (roughly chopped)
4 cups water
1 cup raw honey

Instructions:

Add the ginger and water to a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. The liquid should reduce to 1 cup; allow some steam to escape by leaving the saucepan lid partially open.
Strain out the ginger pieces and pour the ginger infusion into a heat-safe glass jar, such as a Mason jar. If there’s more than 1 cup, simmer it down further. If less than 1 cup, add water to make up the difference.
Stir in the raw honey.
Store the ginger syrup in the fridge. It lasts 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 0.01g (0%)
Saturated Fat 0.002g (0%)
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.002g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.002g
Sodium 1mg (0%)
Potassium 10mg (0%)
Carbohydrates 9g (3%)
Fiber 0.04g (0%)
Sugar 9g (10%)
Protein 0.1g (0%)
Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%)
Calcium 1mg (0%)
Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet.

Add other herbs with the ginger as it simmers if desired. This syrup is quite thin; for a thicker consistency, simmer the honey with the ginger, though it won’t remain raw.

How to Store Ginger Syrup

It will keep for several weeks in the fridge. Although honey has a long shelf life, herbal tea doesn’t. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays and use as needed.

Have you ever made a simple syrup before? How do you plan to use your ginger syrup? Share your thoughts in the comments!