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/don’t get any big ideas), “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
- Author:
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
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″ 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 ginger slices 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.
Hayley
I’ve never thought to make ginger tea myself at home before. I love the idea and all the benefits of ginger. Thanks Kate!
Kate
You’re welcome! I hope you love it.
Jolene
Thank you for this recipe! My mom had some fresh mint that was growing in my sister’s backyard. She gave me some and it made my day!
★★★★
4waystoyummy
I love Ginger tea…for sweetness I sometimes throw a dehydrated mango slice in. Cheers!
★★★★★
Danica
Good idea with the mango slice!
Kate
Thanks for sharing!
Yvonne
Just made this & it was very easy. Delicious. Thank you.
★★★★★
Fer
Its a really simple recipe
★★★
Kate
Hi Fer, I’m sorry you aren’t excited about this recipe.
Irene Baltazar
I never thought that ginger could be a big of help to me. I’ve got so many ideas and I’ve tried one of it. I prefer the taste of natural fresh ginger tea I made this morning and it so soothing. It is also a big of help to me since I feel nauseated every after of my meal. I’m not pregnant though.
Thank you Kate for the tips!
★★★★★
Jenny jensen
Great idea
★★★★★
Ina
I have been drinking ginger tea and I loved it! my day is incomplete without it
Kate
I love that!
Yvonne
I tried it this morning and it’s amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Sergio Mendez
Is my first time trying it
David
I never test ginger
Andrea
Love this recipe. And I love ginger too! I have to give it a try!
Kate
Let me know what you think, Andrea!
Jane Ross
Many years ago – 1971 to be exact – I bought a cookbook based solely on its title – Ginger Tea Makes Friends – and have used its recipe ever since. Having now come in from a bitterly cold day here in Toronto and finding your email on the same subject, I’m now sipping away at your basic recipe. It has just replaced my 47-year old one as my go-to!
Jane
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing! How fun.
Courtney
This recipe is perfect timing for me. I’m definitely going to make some ginger tea now after I get out to Whole Foods for the fresh ginger. I was already planning on picking up an orange to make your cranberry orange muffins, because I still have a bag of fresh cranberries not used during Thanksgiving. So thank you so much, Kate, for doing such a good job keeping people like me healthy and happy!
★★★★★
Shirley Gilbert
To always have ginger on hand I peel and finely chop the ginger, then put it in a quart freezer bag, then press it flat with my hand, then freeze. When I need it I open up the bag and break off what I need.
Shirley Gilbert
Kate
Thanks for sharing!
Sergio Mendez
Is my first time trying it
★★★★★
Toni
Great idea!
Bonnie
I can’t wait to try it. I bought some ginger yesterday as I’d heard it could possibly lower my blood sugar. Thanks for the ideas!
Maita Joy Santiago
This post made me crave some Ginger Tea. Ginger Tea is simmering in a pot now along with a cinnamon stick. Thanks for this post!
★★★★★
Kate
I hope you loved it! Thank you for sharing, Maita.
Maita Joy Santiago
I really loved it Kate! I also drank it cold and it was really delicious!
★★★★★
Paige Cassandra Flamm
I totally need to try this! It will come in handy during cold season I’m sure!
Paige
Kate
Let me know what you think, Paige!
Sarah
I almost forgot about ginger tea! I like it with lemon, honey, and a pinch of red pepper. Thanks for the fresh ginger suggestion!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Sarah! I hope you enjoy this recipe all season.
Cheryle
Thank you Kate. This tea is delicious ❤️
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you like it, Cheryle!
Snigdha
Thank you for crediting Asian cuisine. This is a very common beverage at home in India. Especially during flu season to boost the immunity.
★★★★★
Misty
I was so excited to see this recipe from you! I have been making a version of this for years! So good for the immune system…I make it to help with the common cold. The only difference is after it’s done “steeping” and I’ve filtered out the pieces, I add the juice of a fresh lemon and about 2 tablespoons of honey! So good, almost like a spicy warm lemonade! Thanks Kate! Love all your stuff!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Misty!
Misty
I just love all of your recipes! And loved your recipe book as well! Thanks so much
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for your review, Misty!
Stephanie
I make ginger tea this way regularly, re-filling the water and reusing a big knob of ginger for a couple of days. I’m looking forward to trying it with the addition of turmeric root!
When I’ve got a sore throat or upper respiratory infection/cold, I grate the knob of ginger, squeeze the juice directly into a mug, and then make tea with the remaining pulp/fiber. I add that to the mug, squeeze in half a lemon, and stir in a spoonful of local honey. I keep making tea with the pulp until I’m ready for another strong mug, and then go for another knob of ginger.
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Stephanie! I hope you feel better.
Anna
So delicious and didn’t realize it was so simple to make. If I wanted to make homemade ginger ale, do you think I could just make an extra concentrated batch and top with seltzer?
★★★★★
Kate
I’m not certain about ginger ale, but I have a ginger beer recipe here: https://cookieandkate.com/ginger-beer-concentrate//
Anna
Thank you, I will be sure to check it out!
Debbie
I experienced fresh ginger tea on vacation in Prague and loved it!
Can’t wait to try your recipe!
raza jan
Now I know how to make ginger tea. I ave listen before tat it is very beneficial.
Aliana S Ronai
I love ginger tea and recently found that if you have a powerful blender or food processor, you can make a much stronger concentrate by blending the ginger and cooking that and storing it in a mason jar. Blending or food processing releases more of the ginger concentrate.
Kate
Thanks for your comment, Aliana!
Andrea
I love ginger tea. If I want it stronger, I’ll add squeezed juice from finely grated ginger for an extra kick. Also helps a cough or sore throat. Thank you C&K!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Andrea!
Root
I had a friend recommend this to me before! However I never used it without tumeric n cinnamon separately I’ll have to try it! ^^ What is better for someone who is sick?
★★★★★
Kate
I hope this does the trick! Thanks for your review, Root.
Tammy Ingram
Your recipes are always Divine! Thank you. I absolutely LOVE this tea. I have been drinking it nonstop for the past couple of weeks and my stomach issues are shockingly being healed. I love it most with the Myers lemon slice and squeeze and vanilla nondairy creamer splash! Always look forward to your recipes.
Happy New Year and Many Blessings, Tammy
Caroline
I had some left over ginger and found your ginger tea, I have had it every night since! I love it – thank you
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Caroline! I’m glad you are enjoying it so much.
Linda
I just took a class on osteoporosis. Ginger is on the list of super foods for healthier bones. I’ll be using this recipe often. Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Linda!
Dee
I am excited to try this. I only have ground ginger. Can I make it using ground ginger? If yes, can you tell me how please.
Kate
Hi Dee, sorry I haven’t tried with ground ginger. My immediate reaction is you won’t get the same result and worry about the powder blending well in the liquid.
Meem
It works with powders but it’s harder to strain and you’ll get a bit of powder in your drink. I always made it with powder since my mom won’t buy for me the fresh ginger
★★★★★
Kayla
I’m a huge fan of herbal teas and I use this recipe all the time.
But i ran out of cinnamon sticks and i was curious if ground cinnamon would work as well because I’ve noticed that it doesnt dissolve well.
I’d appreciate your input!
★★★★★
Daulat
I add the sliced ginger to my morning cup of tea – letting the ginger boil before adding tea leaves. It makes a delicious cup of tea but I would like to know if the benefits of ginger are in any way reduced by this combination.
Anwar
I am absolutely enjoying this cup of ginger tea plus I added geentea tea bag when the rest of ingredients came to boil as I was simmering I added the geentea tea bag then switched off the gas under the pan n its really nice the geentea gives it a boost of taste lol thank you so much Kate for telling me how to make ginger tea
★★★★★
emma
Thank u so much Kate this can really help me make ginger tea for my mom as she is sick.
★★★★★
Priscilla
Okay so I tried making ginger tea…but my tea came out tasting like straight up black pepper. I didn’t have access to everything but I was surprised that I could hate the taste of something that smells so good! Please let me know if you have any tips.
Lori
I used your basic recipe. I sliced the ginger and simmered for 5 mins. I strained and put a slice of lemon and a little squeeze of honey. I added a packet of stevia because it wasn’t sweet enough for me. It’s delicious! I hope it helps my tummy issues. Thanks for the recipe! :)
SHANTHARAM
It came out well, actually superb tasty, only change is I used freshly ground ginger paste(homemade) 1 teaspoon for 300 ml water.
★★★★
Ann
Thanks for sharing I’m actually doing for my husband and his cough he has for a awhile I tried everything but I found out about ginger it’s working really good
★★★★★
Lynn Walma
Enjoying my very first cup of ginger tea now, with a teaspoon of organic honey and a slice of a Meyer lemon. Delicious! Might be the perfect drink to see me through.
★★★★★
Anjana
The tea turned out to be perfect… Thanks for the recipe
Ev
Thanks for this post and the recipe ideas.
★★★★
Akshata
Protip – crush the ginger or grate/julienne it to get more flavour. Cardamom works well as a complementary flavour too
★★★
Donna
Thanks for recipe. I read that ginger tea is a great quick fix for acid reflux. Trying it out on my mom who suffers terribly. Prescription medications don’t help so hopefully this will do the trick!
★★★★★
Dikeledi
It’s my first day making the ginger tea recipe with lemon and Whooooaaa I’ve enjoyed it
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear! Thanks for the review, Dikeledi.
Tracey Aird
I just grate ginger into a mug and add hot water let it steep for 5 mins. I dont bother straining it tastes great
★★★★★
SHEILA PRICE
THIS WAS DELICIOUS!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RECIPE. WILL BE POSTING PICTURES TO INSTAGRAM SOON. JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I!!❤❤❤
★★★★★
Lynne
Just diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. This ginger tea is getting me through the days right now. Your recipe is my favorite ginger tea.
Lynne
meera
when should ginger tea be had? OR…. when should you not have it? So before meals? After meal?… Grateful,
many thanks
meera
Kate
Hi Meera, I think it’s truly great anytime. I personally like it in the evening.
Nimfa Pineda
Yes i love fresh ginger tea,i drink everyday one cup ginger tea in the morning and one cup in the afternoon .I enjoyed so much i rather to have a ginger tea alone with out putting lemon or any honey ,it makes my day complete..
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Nimfa!
Cathy
Thank you. What a delicious drink. Trying it out to calm my recurrent heart burn. Wish I’d made it sooner. Thanks again.
★★★★★
Larry Potterill
Hi Kate, I have COPD and saw on a COPD SITE that ginger water helps, I was unsure but gave it a try and was pleasenly suprized how I felt after a week using your recipe ther was a huge improvement so thanks for your recipe
★★★★★
Patricia H Bailey
I need to make cough syrup. The recipe calls for 1/4 tsp ginger. I have fresh, no ground. But can I use my liquid ginger herbal supplement in place of fresh?
I love your ginger tea!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Patricia, This was specifically designed to use fresh, sorry!
Roxie Barnette
I Love the Ginger Tea, the recipe was so easy to follow. I just started drink it a week ago cause I have trouble with conspation will see if it help any suggestions on that.
Lala Martinez
I’ve drank ginger tea a few months I drink it cold in this hot weather I. Love it. Thanks
★★★★★
Theresa Medlin
Never tried ginger tea,but I wake up mornings feelingsick ,no not pg,,its mostly due to being a diabetic,so I’m going to try and see if it helps,I will let you know
★★★★★
Itha
Growing up in the islands ginger tea was and still is my favorite tea to drink. We always had ginger in the kitchen. I found ginger tea very comforting during the first three months of my pregnancy i drank it all day long.
★★★★★
Gwen Mitchell
I’m learning about ginger,I’m a diabetic and sense I started using it I find it does wonders for me,I even cut pieces of it on my salad
★★★★★
Helene Booysen
I use Nomu decadent hot chocolate….organic dark chocolate pieces….scrumptious! Chocolate ready-mix powders contain too much sugar and milk powder. Nomu is pure bliss! Makes delucious brownies too.
Cate
Thanks for this recipe! It was a nice and spicy result with a touch of lemon.
★★★★★
Rebecca
Besides lemon and honey, I add a sprinkle of ground cayenne pepper for an extra kick
★★★★★
Annette
Can I make this while using a kettle especially if I am short on time?
Kate
Hi Annette, I’m not quite sure if it will get the same result as you need the water to get hot enough and the ginger to simmer to get the best end result.
Kathrine A.Urstadt
First time ever definitely going to use this again love it
★★★★★
Jun Marro
What do you do with the used ginger slices? Can they be used as compost?
Kate
Hi Jun! Sure, that would be a great use!
Taeya
Woke up in the middle of the night with an upset stomach and your recipe was the first that popped up. It was so yummy and helped so much!
Thank you!
★★★★★
Gwen
So glad I found this! Thank you it’s great! :)
★★★★★
Carlo
I came across the recipe in an ad on youtube, i boiled it with peeled ginger and lemon together for 12-15 minutes as said in the quick recipe. Havent added honey or sugar as the flavor is just fine for me, i see on here its easier, ill try this recipe later this week as well when the bottle is empty.
Connie
Well…..I never thought to be liking ginger tea!!!! Coincidentally, a friend gave me some mint from his garden, seen ginger water recipe from a group I follow, mint as an add-in, and gingers benefits…had to try it! OMG!!!!!
Now I have to shop to get a large supply of ginger in my freezer as I will be making a large batch to drink throughout my day! Ginger’s spicy taste is so addicting! WOW!
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds like a perfect combination, Connie! Thank you for your review.
Connie
Your recipe is great…a keeper! Thank you!!
★★★★★
Mary Jo Koranda
I use your recipie alot. Thank you. I sometimes use 1/4-1/2 cup of the ginger tea with more fresh water to make cup of green tea. Do you if you can cold brew ginger tea?
Kate
Thank you, Mary Jo! I love your green tea idea. I have never tried cold brewing ginger tea—I’d be intrigued to hear how that works out if you try it!
Anonymous
Going to try this recipe tomorrow morning to help my sore throat. I’m planning on adding honey, turmeric, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar.
Anat Hochberg
Hi! I like this drink very much, especially with turmeric and black pepper (to better absorb turmeric).
But, PLEASE, don’t call it tea. There is no tea in your recipe, neither black nor green. Therefore, call it INFUSION!
Azka
SO good! Needed a recipe for my gassy stomach and this did the trick. I added ground cinnamon and honey and it was perfect
★★★★★
Kate
Cinnamon seems like another warming touch! Thank you for sharing, Azka.
Keith Lancaster
My wife was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. Her outlook was
15 months with chemo. I read about the benefits of ginger and made ginger tea. She took 1 cup full twice daily and to the amazement of the doctors, the tumors had shrunk. She is now almost cancer free. Keith Lancaster.
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Keith, I’m so glad to hear that your wife is doing better. That’s wonderful!
Ian
Thanks for this ginger tea recipe. I knew I was in good hands when I recognized the web address from the best brown rice recipe ever. Seriously!
Veronica Tabor
I love it!! I am so happy someone introduce me to this tea. Awesome!!!
Duke Rosemary
I made it tonight with lemon…it is soo soothing
★★★★★
Kate
I’m delighted you enjoyed it, Duke!
Judy Morris
I love ginger so don’t know why I never tried making ginger tea. Before I became diabetic, I used to make candied ginger to eat. I put sugar in water in saucepan as it was heating up. Once the sugar had dissolved I added thinly sliced ginger and continued cooking until the ginger started to turn translucent. I strained the slices, tossed in sugar and let dry out some. This left ginger syrup in the pan. I stored it in a jar and used it in iced tea and made ginger ale by mixing some ginger syrup with seltzer water.
Melissa Terrell
Love ginger, this sounds awesome..will try it!
★★★★★
Kate
I hope you love it, Melissa!
Vashti
So simple yet very tasty! I did add the lemon and honey and it makes more of a full flavor. Love this! Will continue making it!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Vashti! Thank you for your review.
Janet
In my online order I obviously wasn’t clear about the amount of root ginger I needed! I’ve frozen the massive but fab delivery which is inspiring me to experiment with ginger. Perfect as I have IBS and so the ginger is really calming for the tum.
Thanks, your tea is a fab addition to my wintry kitchen on this snowy day!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Janet!
Danielle Westlake
Super easy, warming, healthy and delicious. This is sure to be my new addiction. ;)
★★★★★
Sherie layton
Can you make the tea ahead of time , like for a camping trip and keep refrigerated? For how many days if so?
Kate
Hi Sherie, See the recipe notes :)
Bobby
Hi, I don’t have any mint I’m going to try using a piece of peppermint candy instead.
Bobby
Donna
Thank you so much for the photographs! I made the first batch with way too many roots and not enough water. So went searching for a photo and also found “about one inch” (instead of the several inches of gingeroot I put into four cups of water.♥️
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Donna! Thank you for your review.
Katie Callister
Also soothes a cough!!! I drink it regularly! Love it!
Sana
I came across your article as I am sipping ginger tea and just want to surf the net. Great article next time I’ll be making it as your recipe.
★★★★★
Gail Morris
I have never cooked with ginger, so have never had it in my kitchen. I have read how healthy it is, so ordered a jar of ginger paste, to try it…it is ground ginger only in pure water…do you think it would be as good steeping it in my little fine tea strainer? the ground ginger in the jar smells great…
Kate
Hi Gail, sorry to disappoint but this was designed to be used with fresh so I don’t think you will get quite the same results.
Virginia Blatter
Been drinking hot ginger tea every night for ages I sleep like a baby ! Its also anti inflammatory!! Keeps me away from knee replacement!!!
★★★★★
Ramona
Thank you for this recipe. I started making ginger tea two days ago. Ever since, along with other things, my blood pressure dropped to healthy levels and has been there since. I am excited and will make ginger tea a daily routine. Love your site.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Ramona! I’m glad you will be making this in your daily routine.
Leo
Hi Kate. Thank you for these great ideas! I’ve been cutting the ginger very thin and adding it with green jasmine tea. I first boil the water and ginger together in the microwave and steep the tea after for 3 to 4 min. I do not strain if for myself but would for guests. Leo
Linds
Great stuff, thanks! Wondering if it’d be as effective were I to steep it in my teapot? Or do you consider the stovetop simmering to be an essential step?
★★★★★
Kate
Hi! I found the recipe stated to work the best for the full flavor. I hope you try it and love it!
Marie Knight
This is the best recipe I have found for ginger tea. Thank you.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Marie!