Black Pepper Free Chilled Lemon Ginger Agua Fresca
Bright, zippy, and genuinely refreshing, this chilled agua fresca is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting somewhere sunny even on an ordinary afternoon. Fresh ginger is simmered low and slow until the water turns fragrant and golden, then steeped even longer so every drop carries that warm, spicy depth — all without a single grind of pepper in sight. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to black pepper, ginger can be a wonderful way to get that lively, aromatic kick without the trigger ingredient. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a clean tartness, while maple syrup lets you dial the sweetness exactly where you want it. The whole thing comes together in one pitcher and chills quickly, so it's just as practical for a weeknight as it is for entertaining. Poured over ice with a few mint sprigs and lemon slices, it looks effortlessly beautiful and tastes even better.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 cups cold water, divided
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
- 4 tbsp maple syrup, or more to taste
- ⅛ tsp fine salt
For serving
- ice cubes, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine 1 cup of the water and the sliced ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the water is fragrant and lightly golden.
- 2
Remove from the heat and let the ginger steep in the hot water for 20 minutes, until the liquid is deeply aromatic and noticeably spicy.
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