| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 0g | 0g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 0.1g | 0.1g | 0g |
Being a native New Yorker, it should be no surprise that, just like the city, my favorites in the kitchen all come with a diverse blend of flavors. Today, that favorite is Lemongrass and Ginger Lemonade. With its tantalizing mix of tart, spice, and sweetness, this refreshing drink has the charm of a front porch in summer and the spunk of the Big Apple’s bustling streets. Picture this – it’s the height of summer in the heart of New York, the sun is high, the city is alive, and in your hand is a glass of this cool, reviving lemonade: The scene doesn’t get much better than that.
The Magic is in the Details…
This Lemongrass and Ginger Lemonade recipe elicits a far more vibrant taste than your run-of-the-mill lemonade due to its botanical companions: lemongrass delivering a subtle citrusy flavor and ginger adding a delightful, spicy twist. So, it’s not just a thirst quencher; it’s a harmonious choir of flavors singing on your tongue. Much like pairing the right actors on a Broadway stage, these ingredients come together, each bringing their unique taste profiles to create a memorable, exuberant performance.
The Benefits of a Refreshing Elixir
Going beyond taste, this delightful blend comes with a host of health benefits. Ginger is a known natural remedy for nausea and has anti-inflammatory effects. Lemongrass, on the other hand, can help reduce anxiety and promote a more peaceful sleep. And I would be remiss not to mention the benefits of lemon – it’s a powerhouse of Vitamin C and packed with antioxidants!
Not to blow my trumpet too much, but this Lemongrass and Ginger Lemonade might just be your new favorite on those sweltering summer afternoons. Coupled with your favorite burger or a classic NYC-style bagel, you’ve got a smorgasbord of flavors that speaks of sophistication and simple enjoyment.
Ready to take a plunge into this refreshing blend? Here’s a little visual tease to get your taste buds tingling: 
If you are a fan of Asian flavors, you might find similarities between this recipe and Vietnamese lemongrass and chili drinks or Thai ginger tea. It would pair well with spicy, flavorful dishes such as a Spicy Grilled Chicken with Crunchy Fennel Salad or a classic Pad Thai.
So, whether serving it at your next BBQ or sipping it on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I’m sure this Lemongrass and Ginger Lemonade will become a firm summer favorite. After all, as a New Yorker, I know anything worth doing is worth doing with flair!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water (for the simple syrup)
- 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass
- 1 piece of fresh ginger (2 inches long)
- 1 cup of fresh lemon juice (approximately 6 lemons)
- 4 cups of cold water (for diluting)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by creating a simple syrup. Take a saucepan and add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set it aside to cool.
Step Two
Take 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass and 1 piece of fresh ginger. Roughly chop both the ingredients and add them to the cooled simple syrup. Cover the saucepan and let it steep for at least 1 hour. This will allow the syrup to absorb the flavors of lemongrass and ginger.
Step Three
Once steeped, strain the syrup to remove the solids. Press using the back of a spoon to extract as much flavor as possible. You should be left with a fragrant, flavored simple syrup.
Step Four
Pour this syrup into a large pitcher. Add 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine everything together.
Step Five
Finally, pour the lemonade over ice cubes in serving glasses. Garnish each serving with a sprig of mint, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Lemongrass and Ginger Lemonade!
