Lemon Ginger Tea

This Lemon Ginger Tea recipe is one of those soothing drinks that you’ll want to add to your daily wellness plan. 

This homemade lemon and ginger tea recipe is made with lemons, fresh ginger and water. 

Lemon Ginger Tea Recipe

• Grated lemon zest (I like to use Meyer lemons for zesting (if you can find them at the store). They’re sweeter, less bitter and more aromatic.
• Grated ginger or ginger paste
• Water
• Honey (optional)

Find printable recipe with measurements below.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of fresh grated turmeric or a pinch of turmeric powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cup.

You can either add the lemon zest and grated ginger to a strainer and steep in hot water like you would regular tea. 

Or if you freeze the lemon zest and ginger paste (or grated ginger), you can pop these little frozen nutritional gold nuggets in your cup and pour hot water right over them. Some little flecks of lemon zest and ginger will float to the top (most will sink to the bottom of your cup), but I don’t mind drinking these because it just provides even more nutritional benefits.

How To Make Lemon Ginger Tea

1. Lemon zest. Using a microplane or cheese grater are the easiest ways to grate lemon zest. Run the side of a lemon back and forth over the microplane or grater being careful not to get the pith.  You may get a little added pith to your zest and that’s perfectly okay. Continue to rotate the lemon until you have the desired amount of zest.
2. Grate ginger. Peel ginger and grate ginger using a microplane or cheese grater. If you’re using young ginger with thin skins, it’s not necessary to peel the ginger first.
3. Boil water. Heat water in a saucepan or tea kettle and bring to a boil.
4. Steep tea. Add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and lemon zest to a cup or to a strainer over a cup. Pour water over ginger and zest in strainer. Let grated ginger and zest steep in the water for 1-2 minutes before sipping. You can also add the lemon zest and grated ginger right to your cup and pour the water over it. Stir and let steep for 1-2 minutes before sipping.
5. Sweeten with honey. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey.
6. Add lemon juice. If you want a little more lemon ginger tea benefits,  stir in a couple teaspoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice to your cup.

How To Make Lemon Zest

Before you zest lemons, be sure to rinse them under water and pat dry. If you’re not using organic lemons, you can rinse with baking soda and water and gently rub the lemon peel to wash away any residue. Lay a piece of parchment paper on the counter to catch the flecks of zest.

• Microplane or Cheese Grater. Using a microplane or cheese grater are the easiest ways to grate lemon zest.Run the side of a lemon back and forth over the microplane or grater being careful not to get the pith.  You may get a little added pith to your zest and that’s perfectly okay. Continue to rotate the lemon until you have the desired amount of zest.
• Citrus zester. Using a citrus zester will provide longer pieces of zest. Run the zester along the side of a lemon and scrape down the sides. Continue to rotate the lemon until you have the desired amount of zest.
• Vegetable peeler or Knife. If you don’t have a microplane, cheese grater or citrus zester, then you can use a vegetable peeler or a pairing knife. Carefully run the peeler or knife along the side of a lemon to scrape down the sides. You’ll need to cut the pieces into much smaller pieces (finely mince) if you’re adding to recipes.

Can You Freeze Lemon Zest?

Citrus zest can be kept in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week, and if kept in a tightly sealed freezer bag, it can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. 

1. Line a cookie sheet with a Silpat, parchment paper or waxed paper.
2. Label freezer bags with date and contents of bag.
3. Zest the desired amount of lemon zest.
4. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice in the zest. This helps the zest stick together better when frozen.
5. Using a teaspoon, measure the lemon zest and place by the teaspoonfuls on a Silpat, parchment or waxed paper. 
6. Pop in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, or until frozen solid and won’t flake apart when touched.
7. Transfer the frozen lemon zest discs to a plastic freezer bag. 

How To Store Fresh Ginger

If you’ve ever wondered how to store fresh ginger root, it couldn’t be easier.  Placing whole pieces of ginger that have not been cut or grated in a zip top plastic bag in the refrigerator is the best way to keep ginger root fresh the longest.  Thicker pieces of ginger can last up to 8 weeks stored in the refrigerator this way.

Can You Freeze Ginger?

Yes!  Freezing ginger is super easy.   The best way to freeze ginger is to peel it, grate it and then measure out teaspoon-sized portions of it.  Then place them on a Silpat lined cookie sheet and pop them in the freezer for an hour or two before transferring  to a zip top plastic freezer bag.  The frozen ginger should last up to six months.   Another easy way to freeze ginger is by making these Ginger Ice Cubes.  It’s great to have already peeled and grated frozen ginger to add to hot water for tea, soups, stews, smoothies, stir-fries,  salad dressings and more. 

Looking For More Tea Recipes?

• Elderberry Tea
• Fruit Infused Turmeric Tea
• Antioxidant Rich Blueberry Green Tea
• Hibiscus Tea
• Immune Boosting Ginger Tea
• Iced Orange Ginger Green Tea