Homemade simple syrup is so easy to make, perfect to sweeten all kinds of beverages – from lattes to iced coffee to homemade sodas, it’s a flavor infuser superstar.
It’s wonderful added to homemade cocktails, too!
Ginger syrup shines with the spicy, bright, fragrant aroma fresh ginger offers, and it is so easy to make in just one saucepan and a little simmering.
What is Ginger Syrup?
Before diving into what ginger simple syrup is, let’s get to the basics of what ‘simple syrup’ is. Simple syrup is a sweetened liquid, made by dissolving equal parts of water and sugar together…resulting in…you guessed it, a syrup consistency.
Ginger syrup is a simple syrup that has been infused with fresh ginger for a vibrant, slightly spicy, herbal kick that compliments a variety of beverages and recipes.
How to Make Ginger Simple Syrup
Making homemade simple syrup truly is one of the easiest ways to add flavor to homemade beverages. It requires only a saucepan and a little simmering before you have a wonderful sweet syrup.
You will only need three simple ingredients to make it: fresh ginger root, granulated sugar, and water. Yes, seriously, that’s it! It’s super easy to whip up a batch to have on hand whenever you need it!
First, slice the ginger. Take a knob of fresh ginger, about 2-3 inches depending on how ginger-forward you want the syrup (or hey, even more!), and slice into about 1/4 inch slices. There’s really no need to peel the ginger, just give a good wash as desired. The peel won’t affect the taste and leaving it on makes life so much easier.
I like to slice the ginger as opposed to chopping it because, well, it’s easier (are you sensing a theme?). It also makes straining the syrup much more efficient because we can use a regular fine mesh strainer rather than straining multiple times or using cheesecloth if the ginger is too finely chopped.
So slices it is.
Combine one cup of granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Whisk it together and add the ginger slices. Bring the mixture to a boil, and continue to let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. It doesn’t need to be exact, this just gives the ginger additional time to infuse into the syrup. It needs to cool down before using, or transferring to a storage container anyway, so let it do so with the ginger.
Strain out the ginger slices (you can save them for stir fry or make candied ginger) and transfer the syrup to a jar or another airtight container. Or use immediately as needed (if it’s cooled down enough).
Ways to Use Ginger Simple Syrup
You can experiment with many different ways to use this fragrant syrup. While simple syrups are often added to cocktails for a little sweetness, and in this case flavor, they are not exclusively a cocktail ingredient.
Ginger syrup is a key ingredient for homemade ginger ale or ginger beer. It adds a great kick added to lemonade or soda. It can be stirred into tea, made into ginger tea, or added to cold brew or lattes. Add it to smoothies, too!
Expand the horizons and drizzle it on top of pancakes or waffles (it will be thinner than traditional maple syrup, try a 2:1 ratio to make it thicker). Add it to stir fry, or mix it into a marinade. Anything that would benefit from a little sweetness and ginger flavor would be lovely with this syrup.
And now, of course, for cocktails. Ginger simple syrup can be used in any homemade cocktails that require simple syrup and would be delicious with ginger. Cranberry Ginger Cocktails are bright and festive – perfectly made with ginger simple syrup. Add it to a Cranberry Rosemary Prosecco for a fun twist, too.
Moscow Mules are a classic ginger-infused cocktail. It would also be great paired with whiskey and a little lemon and mint. Or for a spicy kick in something sweeter like apple cider sangria.
Common Questions
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last for about 2 weeks, sometimes up to a month without being contaminated. It’s pretty stable, but if you notice any mold spots, just pitch it and make a new batch.
Yes, if you have leftover ginger root after making this recipe, and you know you won’t use it in the near future, wrap it tightly in a bag or wrap and store it in the freezer. You can even grate frozen ginger to add to recipes. If making more ginger syrup, allow the frozen ginger root to thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before slicing.
This recipe really is best with fresh ginger root, and I don’t recommend jarred ginger for this recipe.
Yes, you can use brown sugar in simple syrup, the result will be a richer flavor.
Yes, you can!
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Get the Recipe Ginger Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2-3 inches fresh ginger, sliced
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small or medium saucepan, whisk together water and sugar. Add ginger slices and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavor to continue to infuse.
- Place a strainer over a jar and strain out the ginger from the syrup. Let cool before using. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.