Ginger Lemonade

This drink combines fresh lemon juice with ginger syrup and cold water for a brisk, nonalcoholic lemonade. The ginger is simmered briefly in the syrup to give a clean spicy edge without bitterness, then the drink is strained, chilled over ice, and served with lemon slices.

By Julienne

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 ml Water for ginger syrup
• 100 g Granulated sugar for ginger syrup
• 25 g Fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
• 180 ml Fresh lemon juice from about 4 to 5 lemons
• 600 ml Cold water for diluting the lemonade
• 1 g Fine salt optional, to sharpen flavor
• 400 g Ice for serving
• 40 g Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine 250 ml water, 100 g granulated sugar, and 25 g sliced ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes. The syrup smells gingery and the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and let the ginger syrup steep for 5 minutes, then strain it into the pitcher and discard the ginger slices. The liquid is clear with a pale ginger tint.
3. Add 180 ml lemon juice and 600 ml cold water to the pitcher. If using, add 1 g fine salt. Stir well and taste; it should be tart, lightly sweet, and bright. The lemonade tastes balanced and the sugar is fully incorporated.
4. Fill four glasses with 400 g ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish each glass with lemon slices if desired. The drink is thoroughly chilled and ready to serve.