Sharp, citrusy, and just spicy enough to keep your tastebuds surprised, this sparkling ginger lemonade is the kind of refreshment you need for a backyard dinner party or an afternoon on the porch.
The great thing about this sparkling ginger lemonade (or any lemonade, really) is its simplicity. The unadulterated nature of it, the unassuming ingredients, how old-fashioned it is.
When you mix water, sugar, and lemon, something magical happens: suddenly you have the ultimate thirst quencher. Then you add a homemade ginger syrup here, some sparkling water there, and something so simple becomes a little more exciting, with a fiery kick to match.
Just like any other lemonade made from scratch, you get to adjust each ingredient and make it as tangy, sweet, or fiery as your heart desires, so this recipe is really just a starting point. When making the syrup, I tried a couple of different ratios and found this one suited my taste best.
It’s a lighter ginger syrup rather than a classic rich simple syrup, which keeps the drink sharper and more refreshing instead of veering into something too sweet. But then again, it’s up to you.
If you’re serving it at a party, I highly suggest making it pretty. Fresh blueberries, lemon slices, and even cute edible flowers are great choices. Fresh mint and other herbs would also work well.
Notes from the Kitchen
- For a stronger ginger flavor, steep the syrup longer before straining.
- Meyer lemons will make the lemonade slightly sweeter and softer.
- Store extra ginger syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For less sweetness, start with a small amount of syrup and adjust as needed.
FAQ
How spicy is ginger lemonade?
The homemade ginger syrup gives this lemonade a noticeable fresh ginger heat, but you can adjust the intensity by steeping the syrup for less or more time.
Can I make sparkling ginger lemonade ahead of time?
You can make the ginger syrup and lemon juice ahead of time, but wait to add the sparkling water until serving so the drink stays fizzy.
Can I use still water instead of sparkling water?
Yes. Still water will create a more classic ginger lemonade, while sparkling water makes it lighter and more refreshing.
How long does homemade ginger syrup last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the ginger syrup will keep for about 1 week.
Variations
- Lime version: Swap the lemon juice for lime juice for a sharper, more citrus-forward drink.
- Herbal ginger lemonade: Infuse the syrup or the finished drink with basil, mint, or thyme for a more aromatic profile.
- Spiced variation: Add slices of fresh chilli to the ginger syrup for a subtle heat that lingers.
- Still lemonade: Skip the sparkling water for a more classic, old-fashioned ginger lemonade.
- Cocktail version: Add gin, vodka, or white rum for a simple summer spritz.
- For a more whimsical finish, use fun ice cube trays: oversized rounds, tiny pebbles, or sculptural shapes that feel almost too pretty to melt.
If you make this sparkling ginger lemonade please be sure to leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you and your favorite summer drink.
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Sparkling Ginger Lemonade
Ingredients
Equipment:
For the Ginger Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- ¾ cup water
For the Lemonade:
- 8 medium lemons
- 1 liter sparkling water
- Ice, as needed
- Fresh mint, lemon slices, and blueberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Make the Ginger Syrup:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, ginger, and water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let steep, covered, for at least 15 minutes or until the syrup reaches your preferred ginger intensity. Strain out the ginger and set aside.
- Juice the Lemons: Roll the lemons firmly on a countertop to help release their juices. Slice in half and juice into a measuring cup.
Assemble the Lemonade:
- Fill a large glass pitcher or jar with ice. Add the fresh lemon juice and sparkling water.
- Stir in ginger syrup to taste. Garnish with fresh mint or blueberries, if desired, and serve immediately.
