Ginger Simple Syrup

Sugar, spice and everything nice, that’s what this ginger simple syrup is made of! If you love ginger flavor, you will love making your own ginger syrup to add to drinks and desserts!

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Ginger Simple Syrup recipe

Ginger is one of those flavors I can’t get enough of. It has a kick of spiced flavor that can’t be beat.

I love making Moscow mules and always seem to have ginger beer on hand in case I get a hankering.

It’s sweet and a little spicy. Not the same kind of spice as jalapeños or chili peppers, though — think the warmth you get from cinnamon, but hotter. It also has a little bit of coolness, similar to mint, which is why pickled ginger helps to tamp down on the spiciness of the wasabi on your sushi.

Ginger is often used as a medicinal ingredient for soothing a sore throat or an upset stomach, but

Made with real, whole ginger root, the sweetness of this syrup cools down and balances the heat from the ginger.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Ginger syrup is so delicious and easy to make. I know you will love it as much as I do! Here’s why I love it:

• You can make it with fresh ginger root and you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
• With just three ingredients, it comes together in less than 20 minutes.
• It’s a great way to use up leftover ginger from cooking and baking recipes.
• It’s an inexpensive and healthier alternative to store-bought cocktail syrups.

You can use ginger syrup to make your own lighter versions of ginger ale and ginger beer by mixing it with soda water. Then you can use that in cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks to achieve the same ginger taste with less sugar.

What is simple syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by stirring probably stirred for quite a while!

Simple syrup is solution to this problem. It’s a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar into water.

Sweetening drinks is its primary use. But you can also drizzle it over French toast and ice cream. Bakers even use it to add moisture to baked cakes before decorating.

Most simple syrups are made with granulated white sugar, but other types of sugar can be used, including honey and brown sugar.

Once you’ve mastered classic simple syrup, there’s a whole world of flavor to explore. Try infusing herbs like rosemary or spices like cinnamon or vanilla. (And ginger.)

You can also make syrups with fruit like raspberries, peaches or pumpkin, or even vegetables like jalapeños!

Ingredients

Ginger simple syrup only has three simple ingredients, but you can mix things up with more flavor combos. See the section below called Variations and Substitutions.

Ginger root

Real ginger will provide much more spice and flavor. You will need about a 3-inch piece of peeled ginger root. Dice it into small pieces (slices are okay too).

Ginger root is available at most grocery stores in the produce section. You can also find it at specialty grocery stores or an Asian market.

You may use ground ginger instead if you prefer. Use ¾ teaspoon. However, fresh ginger will give you the freshest flavor.

Sugar

Granulated sugar and organic cane sugar are my recommendation for this syrup, since it will allow for the best rosy red color.

However, can use brown sugar or honey instead, though both will affect the color of the syrup.

Water

Filtered water or distilled water will give you the best, purest results, but tap water is totally fine.

For simple syrup, you typically need as much sugar as you do water, but this recipe is a little different.

First you will boil water and ginger together to infuse the flavor, then you will strain out the solids. Next, stir in the sugar to the warm mixture to make the syrup.

How to make ginger syrup

Though you can buy ginger simple syrup, this recipe is so very easy and inexpensive to make. It is just not worth buying in my opinion, and it tastes so much better with fresh berries!

First, peel and dice the ginger root. (Here’s how to peel ginger.)

In a medium saucepan, bring water and the ginger pieces to a boil. Lower the heat and bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the solids and strain the hot ginger mixture into a bowl or jar.

While still warm, stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

If your ginger syrup winds up being too strong, you can make a batch of plain simple syrup to dilute it.

Variations and substitutions

Ginger mint syrup: Add mint sprigs to the syrup while it cools to infuse mint flavor.

Honey ginger syrup: Use honey instead of sugar to make a natural-tasting syrup with lots of sweet flavor.

Ginger demerara syrup: Use demerara sugar to make a dark-colored and complex-tasting syrup.

Ginger lime syrup: Stir in 2 tablespoons lime juice to add some tart flavor. (Could do lemon juice, too!)

Sugar-free ginger syrup: Use Stevia instead of sugar for a lighter option.

Uses for ginger syrup

Mix it with club soda to make your own spiced ginger ale. It makes a great homemade mocktail!

• Stir it into lemonade and iced tea.
• Pour it over sorbet, ice cream and other desserts.
• Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles or French toast like you would maple syrup.

Drinks with ginger syrup

There are so many ways to use this homemade ginger syrup. A little ginger flavor goes a long way! Try one of these cocktail recipes for your next happy hour:

Muddle it into a whiskey smash for a punch of flavor. (Pictured above.)

Stir it into a hot toddy or a classic old-fashioned cocktail for a strong and gingery drink.

Make a light whiskey ginger with ginger syrup, bourbon and club soda or seltzer.

Use it to sweeten hot tea, maybe with a spritz of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Mix it into homemade ginger ale by adding a little to a glass (to taste) and topping with soda water.

Make a lighter Moscow Mule with vodka, ginger syrup, lime juice and club soda. It also works in all the other mule cocktails, like the Dark and Stormy where it’s mixed with dark rum or the mezcal mule where it’s mixed with tequila or mezcal.

Muddle up a Ginger Mint Julep for a unique twist on the classic.

Use it in a Honeydew Ginger Mojito to bring the flavors of mint and ginger together.

More simple syrup recipes

• Lavender syrup
• Prickly pear syrup
• Brown sugar syrup
• Caramel syrup
• Cherry syrup
• Blueberry syrup
• Elderberry syrup