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
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.
I’ve never thought to make ginger tea myself at home before. I love the idea and all the benefits of ginger. Thanks Kate!
You’re welcome! I hope you love it.
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!
I love Ginger tea…for sweetness I sometimes throw a dehydrated mango slice in. Cheers!
Good idea with the mango slice!
Thanks for sharing!
Just made this & it was very easy. Delicious. Thank you.
Its a really simple recipe
Hi Fer, I’m sorry you aren’t excited about this recipe.
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!
Great idea
I have been drinking ginger tea and I loved it! my day is incomplete without it
I love that!
I tried it this morning and it’s amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Is my first time trying it
I never test ginger
Love this recipe. And I love ginger too! I have to give it a try!
Let me know what you think, Andrea!
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
Thank you for sharing! How fun.
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!
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
Thanks for sharing!
Is my first time trying it
Great idea!
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!
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!
I hope you loved it! Thank you for sharing, Maita.
I really loved it Kate! I also drank it cold and it was really delicious!
I totally need to try this! It will come in handy during cold season I’m sure!
Paige
Let me know what you think, Paige!
I almost forgot about ginger tea! I like it with lemon, honey, and a pinch of red pepper. Thanks for the fresh ginger suggestion!
You’re welcome, Sarah! I hope you enjoy this recipe all season.
Thank you Kate. This tea is delicious ❤️
I’m happy you like it, Cheryle!
Thank you for crediting Asian cuisine. This is a very common beverage at home in India. Especially during flu season to boost the immunity.
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!
Thank you for sharing, Misty!
I just love all of your recipes! And loved your recipe book as well! Thanks so much
Thanks for your review, Misty!
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.
Thanks for sharing, Stephanie! I hope you feel better.
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?
I’m not certain about ginger ale, but I have a ginger beer recipe here: https://capital-fly.pro/ginger-beer-concentrate//%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Thank you, I will be sure to check it out!
I experienced fresh ginger tea on vacation in Prague and loved it!
Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Now I know how to make ginger tea. I ave listen before tat it is very beneficial.
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.
Thanks for your comment, Aliana!
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!
You’re welcome, Andrea!
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?
I hope this does the trick! Thanks for your review, Root.
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
I had some left over ginger and found your ginger tea, I have had it every night since! I love it – thank you
You’re welcome, Caroline! I’m glad you are enjoying it so much.
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!
You’re welcome, Linda!
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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
Thank u so much Kate this can really help me make ginger tea for my mom as she is sick.
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.
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! :)
It came out well, actually superb tasty, only change is I used freshly ground ginger paste(homemade) 1 teaspoon for 300 ml water.
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
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.
The tea turned out to be perfect… Thanks for the recipe
Thanks for this post and the recipe ideas.
Protip – crush the ginger or grate/julienne it to get more flavour. Cardamom works well as a complementary flavour too
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!
It’s my first day making the ginger tea recipe with lemon and Whooooaaa I’ve enjoyed it
Great to hear! Thanks for the review, Dikeledi.
I just grate ginger into a mug and add hot water let it steep for 5 mins. I dont bother straining it tastes great
THIS WAS DELICIOUS!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RECIPE. WILL BE POSTING PICTURES TO INSTAGRAM SOON. JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I!!❤❤❤
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
when should ginger tea be had? OR…. when should you not have it? So before meals? After meal?… Grateful,
many thanks
meera
Hi Meera, I think it’s truly great anytime. I personally like it in the evening.
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..
Thank you for sharing, Nimfa!
Thank you. What a delicious drink. Trying it out to calm my recurrent heart burn. Wish I’d made it sooner. Thanks again.
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
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!
Hi Patricia, This was specifically designed to use fresh, sorry!
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.
I’ve drank ginger tea a few months I drink it cold in this hot weather I. Love it. Thanks
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