Though this classic recipe is called a tea, it’s really an infusion of fresh ginger and lemon — nothing “tea” about it other than how healthful it is and how soothing it is to drink. To learn about some of the benefits of this beverage, see 5 Reasons Why You Should Drink Ginger Lemon Tea.
Makes: 4 cups
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2- to 3- inch piece ginger, sliced
- Juice of 1 large lemon (or more, to taste)
- Sweetener of choice (stevia, agave, raw honey, etc.) to taste, optional
- Slices of fresh lemon (from an additional lemon) for serving, optional
Combine the water and ginger in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat Add the lemon juice and let steep at least 20 minutes; 30 minutes is even better.
If serving right away, you might want to reheat gently to your liking. Or, you can let steep even longer, letting the ginger flavor become more pronounced. Sweeten to taste with sweetener of choice, or let everyone sweeten their own.
Serve with or without slices of the steeped ginger and slices of fresh lemon. You also let the infusion cool, and then chill for a cold drink.
Variation: Add a cinnamon stick or two to the saucepan with the lemon juice and ginger.
Find lots more tips on our Healthy Vegan Kitchen page.
35 Comments
Icecek Tarifleri
May 5, 2015 at 10:12 amLemon and ginger are believed to have preventive power against disease. Thanks.
Mike Sireci
May 5, 2015 at 10:50 amThanks for sharing this, now i have another alternative tea.
Michael dorey
May 21, 2015 at 7:57 pmThis lemon-ginger infusion is great for detoxifying the body and removing impurities and poisonous substances like fluoride. Which calcifies the pineal gland over prolonged use…
Michelle
May 31, 2015 at 4:00 amIs it okay to bring lemon juice to boil? They say too much heat on the lemon will kill the vitamin C in it. Is it true? Thanks
Nava
May 31, 2015 at 7:05 amMichelle, either way, you’re right, it’s not necessary to bring the lemon juice to a boil along with the water. It can be added in once the water has boiled. The recipe has been amended.
Rogers
June 19, 2015 at 2:26 pmRecipe amended.How?
Nava
June 21, 2015 at 8:27 pmOriginally, the instruction was to bring the lemon to a boil along with the water, and this is not necessary or optimal. The recipe is correct now, as you see it above.
sabaathanneermalai
September 6, 2015 at 9:30 amAn essential receipe to be taken by all to survive healthy.
irum azhar
September 14, 2015 at 3:26 amCan we boil lemon with water.. bcx mostly I do this..
Taff
September 24, 2015 at 8:44 amDo you need to use fresh lemons or will the container lemon juice be ok?
Is it necessary to boil the lemon or just add to the ginger tea?
Its nice to drink on its own without using green tea.
kincho
June 9, 2016 at 6:28 amwow! i am motivated now. thank you
Joana
August 6, 2016 at 5:11 amThanks for sharing this I’m going to be serious with it.please can it prevent dandruff?
lieferando.de gutschein
August 12, 2016 at 1:19 pmGood information. Lucky me I discovered your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
Fiona Fleming
August 17, 2016 at 9:20 amThank you for this, I boiled water in the Kettle…Cut a wedge of Lemon and sliced some ginger and put them in my Mug, poured the water on and let sit for a few minutes…added a tea bag and raw sugar to taste. absolutely yummy.
Andy
August 22, 2016 at 3:43 pmI’ll try this as I have previously used l&g teabags, but recently picked up a load of fresh ginger at a reduced price. It is about the only fruit infusion I like as the others all desk to give you a sour, tangy aftertaste. I may try it with limes too as I prefer their flavour. I will let you know how it is.
Geraldine Haywood
September 8, 2016 at 11:15 pmIts my first time using ginger and lemon so I made it letting it sit 24 he’s can I warm it up to drink and how often should I drink ginger lemon water I’m excited too I need to loose 50 lbs
Susan
October 28, 2016 at 9:34 amGood day…what is the best to soak the ginger warm or cold water… Have a great day ahead.
Cathy
November 1, 2016 at 12:34 amIs the Ginger tea good for Diabetes patient?
Ayaz
November 6, 2016 at 3:26 pmHi . For diabetes. I have heard bitter melon is good. I eat it raw with salad at meal time. Tastes horrid but kills sugar
Dominic Otele
November 17, 2016 at 4:42 amIs it ok,to add some fresh neem leaf,into ginger & lemon tea?
Baz
November 25, 2016 at 5:04 pmI grate the ginger, for a quicker infusion.
Karenmurphy
January 7, 2017 at 5:45 pmI suffer from sliding hiatus hernia I tried this drink it relaxes me ….. will b t as king this every day lovely taste better than caffeine based drinks ……..I also suffer inflammation tonight I have no pain ……
tony
January 16, 2017 at 12:58 pmjust tried it once and am really liking it for real.
i boil my water, slice my ginger and lemon together, and soak it in hot water at night and drink it first thing in the morning before breakfast and i must tell you the drink is just waw waw
Stephanie Grimes
February 2, 2017 at 10:04 pmDo you peel the ginger first before slicing it? I didn’t the first time and parts of the peel floated off in the water. I filtered it through a fine mesh strainer (sieve?). It worked but I was just wondering what everyone else did.
Kannan
March 1, 2017 at 10:31 amHey Jordon,
In India, ginger lemon tea is so famous to lose weight and to make digestion process easier. Great article. Just loved it
derek davis
March 2, 2017 at 4:38 pmi just grate about a teaspoon of fresh ginger,peel as well,into a pyrex jug squeeze in a half of a lemon, then pour in 300mls of boiling water stir and leave for a couple of minutes and then just strain the mixture into a mug using a tea strainer . so simple and yet so great .
Clementina
May 5, 2017 at 9:10 amCan I take it on an empty stomach and any time of the day?
Vidit
June 6, 2017 at 11:21 pmWhat about the tea bags we get from the shop. is it worth it?
Bongi
August 2, 2017 at 10:46 amCan I drink it cold. I boil ginger and lemon together. Is it OK to do that?
Tina
August 23, 2017 at 8:47 pmCan’t wait to try it
Darpana
January 8, 2018 at 6:26 amOrganic tulsi ginger green tea is the best tea to be taken empty stomach and has improves your digestive system drastically. Hence I recommend all to buy Organic for results that are visible.
John K. Owusu
February 24, 2018 at 4:25 amI love it. I’ve been enjoying it without knowing it has great health benefits. i have problem with blood clotting. What should I do?
jane Mitchler
February 25, 2018 at 11:57 amDo not have fresh ginger, what about powdered. If so, how much?
Nava
February 25, 2018 at 12:42 pmMaybe half a teaspoon? But really, it’s not nearly as tasty or effective as fresh. Maybe wait until you can get hold of some.
Okafor chinaza
March 5, 2018 at 2:05 amCan it be taken cold? Also must it be taken on an empty stomach?