Nutmeg Free Chilled Lemon Ginger Agua Fresca
Bright, zippy, and genuinely refreshing, this agua fresca is the kind of drink that makes you wonder why you ever reached for a bottled beverage. Fresh ginger is simmered low and slow until the water turns fragrant and golden, then steeped even longer to coax out every bit of that warm, spicy depth — all without a single warming spice that could sneak in unwanted. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a clean tartness that balances the ginger beautifully, while maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to round everything out. A pinch of salt might seem unexpected in a cold drink, but it quietly sharpens all the other flavors in the best possible way. The whole thing comes together in one pitcher and chills quickly, making it an easy win for warm afternoons, dinner parties, or anytime you want something that feels a little more special than plain water. Served over ice with lemon slices and fresh mint, it looks as good as it tastes.
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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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