Ginger is an incredible ingredient. It is almost magical. It is healthy, easy to find and has the most powerful, unbeatable taste that you really can’t get anywhere else. We love ginger so much that we add it to a lot of our drink recipes. A little bit of fresh ginger or a sprinkle of dried, ground ginger can completely transform a drink.
If you are a big fan of ginger just like us, then you absolutely must keep reading. You are going to love ginger even more by the end of this article. And you’ll have some tasty new drink recipes to try as well!
What is Ginger?
Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is ginger? Ginger is a southeast Asian plant that resembles bamboo. The root of the plant is the prized portion and the part that is used to create culinary masterpieces.
The tan colored peel is removed and then the yellowish, juicy root is chopped or grated to use fresh or dried and ground to use as a powder. You can even press ginger through a juicer or cold press to make fresh ginger juice.
Fresh ginger root will keep for up to three months when stored in a cool, dry place. Dried, ground ginger will taste great for about three to four years.
Is Ginger Healthy?
Ginger has so many health benefits which is why we love to add it to our drinks. Well, we do also love that spicy, earthy taste but the fact that it is good for us makes us love it even more! Here is a quick look at some of the health benefits of ginger:
- Ginger contains gingerol which is a very powerful anti inflammatory and antioxidant. It can help reduce pain caused by inflammation and also boost your immune system.
- Ginger can help treat nausea and morning sickness.
- Ginger can help with weight loss, helping reduce BMI and blood insulin levels.
- Reduced inflammation from consuming ginger can help with arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Ginger can reduce heart disease risk factors.
- Adding ginger to your diet can help lower blood sugar, helping those who suffer from type two diabetes.
- Ginger can help speed up digestion which can help with chronic indigestion.
- Doctors are researching the effects of ginger on cancer cells. Many anti cancer properties are associated with gingerol which is incredibly powerful. It may be useful in the future for protecting against breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
There are so many reasons why you should add ginger to your diet. The benefits are just so great!! There is really almost no downside to eating ginger.
What Does Ginger Taste Like?
Ginger has its own very unique taste. It is quite spicy and has a pepper-like taste. It also has a similar juicy, acidic taste to a lemon. When eaten fresh, ginger is very potent and strong. However, when cooked, it becomes more mild, woody and subtle. Ground ginger has a much different taste than fresh grated ginger.
Dried, ground ginger also doesn’t have the high level of health benefits as fresh ginger. While the dried ginger is still nutritious, it isn’t as potent. You need more dried ginger to make the same flavor and nutritional impact as fresh ginger.
Best Ginger Drink Recipes
One of the best ways to get your daily dose of ginger is to drink it. Luckily, we have quite a few fantastic drink recipes that feature this delicious ingredient. Here are a few of our favorite ginger drink recipes that we know you will love.
Ginger Turmeric Shot
Ready for the most powerful, delicious drink you will ever try? This ginger turmeric shot is not for the faint of heart. It is a very strong tasting drink which is why most people like to drink it like a shot- one quick gulp and you get all the nutritional benefits and a strong, quick punch of flavor.
Of course, those of us who love ginger love to drink this shot slowly and enjoy every peppery sip.
Our ginger turmeric shot is made with fresh ginger, fresh turmeric root, coconut water, lemon juice, honey and vanilla extract. It is a brilliant yellow color thanks to the turmeric root.
The tropical taste of the coconut goes really well with the spicy bite of the ginger and turmeric. We can say one thing about this drink for sure- you will never forget it! It is that strong and that good.
Golden Ginger Drink
If you are looking for a tropical ginger drink recipe, this is the one that you want to try. It is made with coconut milk, pineapple juice, honey, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon.
All these fresh ingredients are quite delicious together. A sweet, gingery pineapple coconut drink is really amazing.
Our recipe uses these ingredients to make a delicious ginger smoothie. We put everything into the blender with some ice and blend it up really well. The frozen, frothy creation is a great summer breakfast smoothie.
If you don’t have a blender, just whisk everything together well and pour it over the ice. You really can’t go wrong with either method of preparation.
Ginger and Lemon Kombucha
Kombucha is such a fantastic, popular, healthy drink that we wanted to try our hand at making our own version. We found that while kombucha does take time to make, the end result is quite incredible. When you make your own kombucha, you can completely control the flavors.
We chose to mix spicy fresh ginger and tart lemon to make our homemade kombucha recipe. It is pretty fantastic, if we must say!
We mentioned before that ginger can help with reducing nausea and improves digestion. Kombucha has similar powers thanks to the fermentation process. That makes this zesty drink extra good for your gut!
Remember that the drink will take a few days to make so you will need to start making your drink in advance. That gives you days to anticipate all the goodness you are about to experience in every glass of ginger kombucha.
Strawberry Ginger Lemonade
Ginger is a pretty powerful flavor so it is nice to pair it with something a little fruitier and a little sweeter than the typically turmeric ginger combination.
That is why we love this delicious drink and know that everyone in your family will as well. Even kids will adore this light pink, fruity lemonade that has just a little bit of spice.
Fresh strawberries, lemonade, sugar, ginger root and soda are all you need to make our strawberry ginger lemonade recipe. The mix is easy to put together and will store well in the fridge for several days.
Make a big pitcher of ginger lemonade and serve it at a birthday party, a brunch, or just keep it in the fridge to enjoy all week long. It is a mild ginger drink you are sure to make time and time again.
So which ginger drink recipe are you going to try first? They are all so good in their own way! And each of our ginger drink recipes is unique, original and delicious. Start getting your daily fix of ginger to boost your nutrition and to just enjoy the taste of this unique ingredient. Ginger is a great choice all around!
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