Fresh Ginger Tea
Learn how to make fresh ginger tea (plus variations!) with this simple recipe. Ginger tea is warming, relaxing and soothing for upset stomachs.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
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Ever had real, fresh ginger tea? It’s soothing and invigorating at the same time. Ginger tea has been consumed for centuries, and yet it has only recently crossed my radar. I love it!
I’ve been drinking ginger tea because I enjoy fresh ginger flavor, but it has a lot more going for it than flavor alone.
Ginger tea is a lovely, lightly spicy drink for warming up on cold days. It’s a light, alcohol-free alternative to a night cap. It soothes upset stomachs and eases indigestion if you over-indulge this holiday season (don’t we all?).
All in all, fresh ginger tea recipe is an excellent drink to keep in your repertoire this winter. Ready to make some?
Uses for Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a warming drink for cool weather. It’s a nice morning or afternoon pick-me-up, yet also a relaxing evening sipper. If you’re in the mood for a seasonal drink that isn’t heavy like hot chocolate can be, try ginger tea!
Ginger tea is a non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated, and virtually calorie-free drink (unless you add a sweetener). So, it’s a great option if you’re cutting back on any of the above.
Ginger tea aids digestion, helps soothe upset stomachs, and can reduce nausea. It might offer some relief to women with morning sickness as well. According to registered dietitian Lily Nichols (affiliate link), “Ginger is the most well-studied herb used during pregnancy, and has been proven effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting. Ginger has been used for centuries to reduce nausea and is the only herb that is almost universally considered safe by conventional standards… ginger ale or ginger sodas usually don’t have enough actual ginger to be effective.”
Please remember that I am not a doctor. Consult a doctor if you have concerns about ginger tea.
How to Make Ginger Tea
I tried several ginger tea methods, and the easiest way is truly the best way. Here’s how to do it:
- Thinly slice your fresh ginger. You don’t need to peel it first, but do rinse it and scrub off any visible dirt. Plan on about using about a one-inch piece of ginger per cup of tea.
- In a saucepan, combine the ginger with fresh water (use one cup of water per serving).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for five minutes (or up to 10 minutes, if you want extra-strong tea). I usually think it’s pungent enough at five minutes.
- Pour the tea through a fine sieve to catch all of the ginger. If desired, serve your tea with a thin round of lemon or orange for some complementary acidity. You might also appreciate a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup, which will temper the fiery ginger flavor.
Ginger Tea Variations
Want to change up your plain ginger tea? Here are a few easy variations.
Ginger-Cinnamon Tea
For more warming spice, simply add a cinnamon stick to your tea before bringing to a simmer.
Ginger-Turmeric Tea
Turmeric offers additional anti-inflammatory benefits, plus a fun orangey hue and extra-spicy, intriguing flavor. Treat fresh turmeric the same way that you treat fresh ginger—cut it into thin slices, and add it to your ginger and water mixture.
Ginger-Mint Tea
Fresh mint lends a cooling component, which helps balance the warmth of fresh ginger. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to your mixture before bringing it to a simmer.
Ginger Hot Toddy
Now we’re talking. Add fresh ginger to the water when you make my hot toddy recipe.
Please let me know how your tea turns out in the comments! I’m looking forward to hearing how you serve it.
Craving more warming drinks?
Or for a refreshing cold drink, try cold-brew iced tea.
Watch How to Make Ginger Tea
Fresh Ginger Tea
Learn how to make fresh ginger tea at home! It’s so easy to make with this simple recipe. Ginger tea is warming, relaxing and soothing for upset stomachs. Recipe yields 1 cup; multiply as necessary.
Ingredients
- 1-inch chunk of fresh ginger (no need to peel), sliced into pieces no wider than ¼-inch
- 1 cup water
- Optional flavorings (choose just one): 1 cinnamon stick, 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric (cut into thin slices, same as the ginger), or several sprigs of fresh mint
- Optional add-ins: 1 thin round of fresh lemon or orange, and/or 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the sliced ginger and water in a saucepan over high heat. If you’re adding a cinnamon stick, fresh turmeric, or fresh mint, add it now. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer for 5 minutes (for extra-strong ginger flavor, simmer for up to 10 minutes).
- Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully pour the mixture through a mesh sieve into a heat-safe liquid measuring cup, or directly into a mug.
- If desired, serve with a lemon round and/or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Make it vegan: Be sure to use maple syrup, not honey.
Prepare in advance: Multiply the recipe as desired to make a big batch. Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Drink chilled or reheat for hot tea.
Leftover ginger? You can freeze ginger for future use. If you intend to use the ginger for tea later on, you might as well cut it into thin slices before freezing. Otherwise, freeze it whole for greater versatility.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
A friend made a cup of ginger tree for me, I loved it. Thank you for the directions and especially the tip about freezing. You have a new fan.
When I switched from sodas an sugar teas I have made alot of variations. It’s now part of the morning rituals but I make it a lil different.
I was wondering how long the nutrient content stays in the drings I pour over ice after making my concentrated version..
If you did any research have you read anything about the high heating or just using the sun??
My wife had just happen to make some cherry fig jelly. I figured why not! So I melted a table spoon full in…..might not be for everyone but I love it!!
That’s great to hear, Gary!
I make a small saucepan of ginger tea in the morning.. to drink durin the day, esp if I am feeling a bit off… Is it as good theday after making it…?
This is an awesome remedy when you are going through chemotherapy. I changed plain water with water and a chicken bouillon cube.
Do you have to use fresh ginger or can you use powdered ginger?
This is designed to use with fresh. I hope you try it!
This is one of my major tools in managing the side effects of cancer treatments. It not only eases digestion problems (especially when waking in the middle of the night) but it’s also good for my poor liver, which can use all the help it can get. A cup of hot ginger tea and a handful of pomegranate seeds mades a wonderful bedtime snack.
I completely agree—fresh ginger tea is such a delightful discovery! It’s both soothing and invigorating, and it’s amazing how a beverage enjoyed for centuries can still feel so new and exciting. I’m glad to hear you love it as much as I do!
Thank you for your review, Nanajee!
I grate fresh ginger and freeze it in teaspoon or tablespoon portions. I use one frozen tablespoon and a tablespoon of chamomile flowers in a small pot with a strainer. The chamomile is also good for digestion and its soothing qualities make it a great counterpoint to the ginger without adding any sugar.