Ginger Drink

In winters we need a drink which will warm us up and also awaken our senses. Ginger is a rhizome, which is famous as a delicacy, spice and not to forget as a medicine. Young and fleshy ginger has mild taste. It is not uncommon to see ginger being steeped in boiling water to make ginger tea. Other than tea, there are a number of ginger drink recipes. If you like a little of spice, then you will have to opt for old ginger as opposed to the freshly harvested ginger. Before we see some recipes, we will learn the benefits of this drink.

Ginger Drink Benefits

There are many benefits of ginger root. It is one of the most effective remedy for treating nausea caused by motion sickness. People suffering from heartburn will benefit a great deal from the use of ginger drink in their diet. Often people drink it for treating as well as for preventing cold and flu. A number of respiratory infections can also be relieved with use of ginger. Pregnant women suffering from morning sickness can consume to reduce morning sickness. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help in reducing pain and inflammation. Menstrual cramps can be treated with the use of ginger. Digestive discomfort can also be treated with ginger. Intestinal gas production can also be reduced with drinks made using ginger. Ginger can also be used for treating inflamed muscles of the digestive tract.

Ginger Drink Recipes

One can make both warm as well as cold drinks with ginger. However, making any one of them is not a difficult task. The list of ingredients required is also not a very long list. Most of the ingredients are commonly available at home.

Ginger Tea
To make ginger tea, you will require 2 to 3 small slices of ginger, 1 cup of water and 1 tea bag. Add ginger slices to the water and bring water to a boil. Let a tea bag steep in the water for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain tea and sip it, when it is hot.

Ginger Soft Drink
It can be served to your guests. This drink is similar to ginger ale. You can make it in bulk and serve it with the guests arrive. Let's take a look at a ginger ale recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ginger root
• 2 tsp cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 6 cups water

Method

• Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
• Placed grated ginger, cloves, cinnamon and sugar to a large pot.
• Pour boiling water on the ginger mixture.
• Cover the pot and place it in a warm place for a minimum period of hour.
• After which sieve the mixture and add lime and orange juice to the mixture.
• Place the mixture in a warm place again for an hour at least.
• Strain the mixture of any sediments.
• Transfer the mixture in a glass jug and place it in the refrigerator.
• Serve chilled with ice or diluted chilled soda water.

Ginger Drink with Brown Sugar
This is said to be an exotic Balinese drink. It not only has numerous health benefits, but it is also a thirst quencher. It makes for an apt drink to be offered to guests at a summer barbecue, etc.

Ingredients

• 1 handful ginger
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 lemons, sliced
• Sprigs of mint to serve
• 2 liters boiling water

Method

• Peel and grate ginger.
• Place grated ginger and brown sugar in a large pot.
• Pour boiling water over ginger and brown sugar.
• Place the pot at room temperature, till sugar dissolves in the water.
• After sugar has dissolved, strain the mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours.
• Place ice in a glass and pour the drink on the ice and garnish with mint leaves to serve.

Other than the recipes mentioned above you may want to make ginger ale punchThe above beverage and drink recipes are highly refreshing and healthy. When you make the ginger drinks, if you find it very spicy, you can dilute it by adding water to it. If you do not want to add water, then you can dilute it by adding fresh orange juice to the drink. Sweeteners like honey can also be used to sweeten the drink.