Ginger Simple Syrup

Easy Homemade Ginger Syrup

Simple syrup is one of the easiest ways that you can add flavor and customize homemade drinks. Why? Because, as indicated by the name, it is so simple and there are so many different ways you can make it! 

This spicy ginger syrup is the liquid sweetener of your dreams! It has the perfect amount of ginger flavor, is made with simple ingredients, and is perfect for adding to any drinks for a fun flavor twist. 

What is Ginger Syrup Made Of?

You need just a few basic ingredients to put this recipe together! You’ll find the full ingredient amounts further down the page.

• Ginger: We’re actually using both fresh ginger root and ground ginger to get an extra spicy kick of ginger flavor. 
• Sugar and Water: Granulated sugar and water are the two ingredients that make up the classic simple syrup base.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with the spice of the ginger. 

How to Make Ginger Simple Syrup

Scroll to the recipe card below for the ingredient amounts and full instructions. 

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the sugar and water. Whisk often until the sugar dissolves completely. Don’t let the mixture come to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat.
2. In a food processor, process the fresh ginger until finely chopped.

3. Add the ground ginger and processed ginger root to the plain simple syrup and let it cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the cooled ginger mixture to an airtight container, then refrigerate for 12-24 hours. 
4. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium bowl, then line the strainer with 3-4 layers of cheesecloth.
5. Pour the ginger mixture through the strainer and allow the liquid to drain through.

6. Once drained, form the cheesecloth into a pouch and squeeze out as much of the syrup as possible. 
7. Finally, stir in the lemon juice and serve as desired!

Looking for a Faster, Sweeter Option?

The recipe, as it is, produces a pretty darn gingery syrup. I love the spiciness of the ginger when it sits in the syrup for that 12-24 hours. However, if you prefer a sweeter syrup OR you’re shorter on time, then you can use this method for a quicker simple syrup:

1. Peel 2-3 ounces of fresh ginger root and chop it into ½-inch pieces. 
2. Place the ginger into the pan with the sugar and water, then heat over low-medium heat until simmering. Cook at a simmer for 15-20 minutes, then remove from the heat. Cool completely.
3. Pour the cooled syrup into a high-powered blender, pulse until the ginger slices are broken down, then immediately pour through a fine sieve into a container. 
4. Discard the pulp, stir in the lemon juice, then serve.

Tips and Notes

• Use for drinks. This is not the type of simple syrup that doubles as a pancake or pastry syrup. I recommend just using this for drinks such as cocktails, mocktails, or coffees. 
• Start with less, then add more as needed. This syrup is very potent, so it doesn’t take much at all to flavor any beverage. I recommend starting with less, tasting, then adding more to suit your preferences. 
• Make it sweeter. This spicy ginger syrup can be made sweeter if you prefer. To do this, double the sugar and/or use half the amount of ginger. You can also just omit the ground ginger.

Variations

• Honey Ginger Syrup. Try swapping the granulated sugar out for honey for a little bit of a flavor twist. 
• Ginger Mint Syrup. Give your simple syrup a minty flavor by simmering some fresh mint leaves in the syrup as the sugar dissolves.

Serving Suggestions

This simple syrup is designed to be used for beverages. It is a delicious way to add a unique twist and to sweeten anything from homemade cocktails and mocktails to coffees and teas! 

• Cocktails. Use it in a ginger pear cocktail, a ginger martini, or add it to a moscow mule, a hot toddy, a strawberry paloma, or a dark and stormy for an extra kick of delicious ginger flavor. 
• Mocktails/Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Make ginger lemonade or add it to soda water or club soda with lime juice to make ginger lime homemade sodas. Or, make a homemade ginger ale.
• Coffee. Add a spicy kick of sweetness to your iced coffee or add it to a homemade latte.
• Tea. Mix a drizzle of this simple syrup into hot or iced tea. 

Storage

To store leftover simple syrup, transfer it to an airtight container or mason jar and store it in the fridge for up to 1 month. 

What is the Formula of Simple Syrup?

The standard formula for simple syrup is 1:1, meaning equal amounts of both sugar and water. 

In this case, you’ll use 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water, plus the ginger and lemon!

Does Simple Syrup Make a Difference?

Yes! This ginger simple syrup recipe not only makes a difference in terms of sweetness, but it also has a strong kick of spicy ginger flavor, which is the perfect way to add ginger flavor to a number of different drinks!