Vegetarian Classic Ginger Lemonade
Fresh ginger and real lemon juice are a combination that never gets old, and this homemade version puts both front and center in the most refreshing way. The process starts with a simple ginger syrup — sugar, water, and thinly sliced fresh ginger simmered together until fragrant and slightly thickened — which gives the drink a warm, spicy backbone that bottled lemonade just can't replicate. Letting the syrup steep after cooking is the quiet secret here; it deepens the ginger flavor without any extra effort. Once you strain it and stir in the fresh-squeezed lemon juice and cold water, you've got a pitcher of something genuinely special. Served over ice with a few lemon slices and a sprig of mint, it looks as good as it tastes. Every ingredient is naturally plant-based and free of anything that would raise a flag for someone eating meat-free, so it's an easy crowd-pleaser no matter who's at the table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the ginger syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 oz fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine 1 cup water, the sugar, and the sliced ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the syrup is slightly thickened and fragrant with ginger.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!