Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe

Ginger kick

I’ve been on a ginger kick for a while now. We’ve been testing different ginger ales, I’ve posted about some of our tests on Facebook.

I also found a ginger simple syrup for sale on Amazon. And it was delicious! I used it in sodas and coffee. That bottle went very quickly. So, I decided it was time for me to make my own ginger simple syrup and save some money.

How to Make

Ginger Simple Syrup is just like other simple syrups. You’ll be using equal parts water, sugar, and ginger. Feel free to cut back on the ginger or add extra ginger if you like.

Gather up your ingredients.

You don’t have to peel the ginger. Give it a good rinse, and make sure it’s clean. Then just slice it into 1/8-inch to ¼-inch slices. Don’t worry if the slices aren’t perfect. Slice them with a knife, a mandoline, or with a food processor if you like.

The skin will make the syrup a little darker, which adds a nice color to your drinks. If you want it clearer, you can go ahead and peel it.

Add the water, sugar, and sliced ginger to a medium sized sauce pan.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Then turn it to low, and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat, and cool to room temperature, about 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the sliced ginger from the syrup, pressing on the solids to extract all the flavor and liquid.

Carefully pour the syrup into an airtight container, and store in the fridge. The syrup thickens a bit, gets a bit darker in color, and the flavor gets better as it chills.

Makes about 1 & 1/2 cups, or 24 tablespoons. I figured 2 tablespoons per serving.

The ginger slices can be turned into a simple candied ginger by tossing in sugar. Or, chop them and add to marmalade, ice cream, or cookies.

Different simple syrups

I’m a big fan of simple syrups. Here are some of my other favorites.

Storage

Store the simple syrup in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, for up to a month in the refrigerator.

It also freezes well. Pour it into ice cube trays, and once frozen, store in a freezer zip top bag.

How to use

Simple syrups are perfect for sweetening drinks because the sugar is already dissolved. And, making simple syrups yourself is inexpensive.

Add a tablespoon or so to sparkling water for an easy ginger ale-style soda. It’s great in many drinks: stir some into tea, lemonade, smoothies, and cocktails. The flavor goes well with bourbon, whiskey, or rum. Make your own Dark & Stormy Cocktail or Mocktail.

It works great in savory foods like salad dressings and marinades as well.

Drizzle some over ice cream, fruit salad, pancakes, or waffles (even mix it into maple syrup).  

Brush some on cakes or cupcakes, especially spice cakes.

This syrup makes a wonderful hostess gift or handmade Christmas gift.

And, of course, my favorite, a fancy coffee: the Ginger Latte. So good, and I’m amazed that I haven’t seen these at the specialty shops yet. It has more ginger flavor without the cold foam, but either way it’s delicious! After you make the latte sprinkle the top with some Gingerbread Spice Mix.

Feeling festive? Check out my holiday Simmer Pots to keep your house smelling so fresh and clean!

Ginger Oatmilk Latte with Maple Cold Foam

2 tablespoons ginger syrup
1/3 cup oatmilk (or your favorite milk)
Ice
Coffee

Mix ginger syrup and milk together in a glass. Add a small amount of ice. Fill the rest of the glass with coffee, leaving room for the cold foam (if using). Mix.

Maple cold foam (I usually split this over two drinks)

1/3 cup cream
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Shake the cream and maple syrup together in a mason jar until thick. Pour over coffee. Top with a sprinkle of vanilla powder if desired.

Changes to the basic simple syrup recipe

I’ve already mentioned that you can increase or decrease the amount of ginger in the syrup, depending on if you want it spicier or not. Steep it a little longer for added flavor as well.

Feel free to change up the sugar you use with brown sugar, coconut sugar, or turbinado sugar.

Add in a vanilla bean while boiling the ginger. Or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract once the syrup has been taken off the heat for a lovely vanilla ginger syrup.

Make your own gingerbread or winter spice simple syrup with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.

Add some lemon peel or lime peel to the ginger when boiling for a citrus ginger syrup. Mint is also a refreshing add-in.

Can I freeze ginger?

When I buy too much ginger root, it’s great to know I can freeze it for later. Simply pop the ginger in a freezer-safe bag for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, give it just a few minutes to soften in room temperature, and it will slice or grate easily.

Doesn’t ginger have some health benefits?

Yes, ginger has many potential health benefits, including: Nausea relief from chemotherapy, pregnancy, and motion sickness. ginger can help improve digestion. It may help relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis and menstrual cramps. Ginger may help regulate insulin production and improve blood sugar levels. And ginger contains vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen your immune system.