Kitchen · Morning
Ginger and lemon morning cup
Fresh ginger simmered in water and finished with lemon: a sharp, warm cup that takes ten minutes and works as the first drink of the day, before or instead of coffee. Ginger and lemon in hot water is a traditional morning cup in many kitchens.
Light effort10 min2 cups
Ingredients
- 2-inch (5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, about 1 oz (30 g)
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water
- 1/2 lemon, juiced, about 1 1/2 tablespoons
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, to taste (optional)
- 2 thin slices of lemon, to serve (optional)
Method
- Scrub the ginger and slice it thinly across the grain. There is no need to peel it; the skin is thin and the flavor is in the flesh.
- Put the ginger and water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes. Longer gives a hotter, spicier cup.
- Take the pan off the heat and let it stand for a minute, so it is hot but no longer boiling.
- Strain into two mugs, then stir in the lemon juice and the honey. Adding the lemon off the boil keeps its flavor bright rather than dull.
- Drop a slice of lemon into each mug if you like and drink while hot.
Notes
- Make a stronger batch (double the ginger, same water) and keep it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to four days. Dilute with hot water and add fresh lemon each morning.
- If you only have ground ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon per cup and stir it into hot water. It settles, so give it a stir between sips.
- For a faster, milder cup, grate the ginger into a mug, pour over hot water, steep for 5 minutes and strain through a small sieve.
Plants in this recipe
- Ginger · profile with cautions
Reviewed September 15, 2026.