Celery Free Chilled Lemon Ginger Agua Fresca
This bright, refreshing drink is everything you want on a warm day — zingy lemon, a gentle kick of fresh ginger, and just enough sweetness from maple syrup to keep things balanced. The ginger is gently simmered and steeped until the liquid turns deeply aromatic and spicy, then strained out completely so you get all that bold flavor in a perfectly smooth, clean sip. A pinch of salt quietly rounds out the citrus and makes the whole drink taste more alive. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from celery and celery derivatives — no hidden seasonings, no spice blends to scrutinize, just whole, simple components you can feel confident about. It comes together with minimal effort and chills beautifully in the fridge, making it a great option to prep ahead for guests or just keep on hand for yourself. Serve it over ice with a few lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint for a presentation that looks far fancier than the effort involved.
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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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