Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (2024)

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By Samira @ Alphafoodie

updated November 02, 2023

5 from 12 votes

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This 3-ingredient fresh ginger syrup is zingy, robust, and perfect for adding to co*cktails, lemonade, desserts, and more! Honey ginger syrup and sugar-free options are included.

Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (2)

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Table of Contents

  • What Is Ginger Syrup
  • What Is Ginger Syrup Made Of
  • How to Make Ginger Syrup
  • How Long Does Ginger Simple Syrup Last
  • How to Use Ginger Syrup
  • FAQs
  • More Simple Syrup Recipes
  • Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe Recipe

What Is Ginger Syrup

Simple syrups are a must-have in my kitchen. Whether it’s to make lemonade, sweeten coffee, add to dessert, etc., I love to have several syrups on hand at all times. At the moment, that includes coffee syrup, lemon syrup, and this ginger simple syrup (which can be made with regular sugar, honey, or even sugar-free!).

Thanks to its robust flavor, ginger is easy to infuse into a simple syrup (a combination of just sugar and water) to pack a flavor punch. The resulting ginger-infused simple syrup is the perfect addition to several co*cktails, ginger ale or ginger beer, and lemonade, along with several other culinary uses (listed below).

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Even better, this recipe is highly versatile, with plenty of options to add to and enhance the spicy, zingy, tangy flavor of the stem ginger in syrup. This includes chili (for spicy ginger syrup), mint, citrus, vanilla, and more. And all in just a few simple steps (dissolve the sugar in water, leave the ginger to infuse, strain, and enjoy)!

Looking for more ways to enjoy ginger? Check out my homemade ginger marmalade, freshly squeezed orange ginger juice, ginger salad dressing, or browse this list of 40+ ginger recipes!

What Is Ginger Syrup Made Of

  • Fresh ginger root: I recommend using fresh, young organic ginger for the best results. However, you can also use frozen ginger (thawed first) or homemade ginger paste (with no oil/salt added).
  • Sugar: Use your sugar of choice. White granulated sugar, cane, coconut, brown sugar, etc. Just note that the sugar you use will affect the color of the homemade ginger syrup recipe.

You can also use sugar-free sweeteners like granulated erythritol or stevia. However, these syrups will have a thinner consistency.

  • Water: Use tap or filter water.
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How to Make Ginger Syrup

There are a few simple steps for how to make ginger simple syrup.

First, peel and grate (or mince) the ginger.

When using organic ginger, I often keep the peel on, though the ginger-infused syrup will be slightly darker. You could also use ginger slices, but the flavor takes longer to infuse the ginger flavor.

Then add the ginger, sugar and water to a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low-medium, and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the ginger to infuse. And that’s how long to boil ginger syrup.

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How Long Does It Take for Simple Syrup to Thicken

Classic simple syrup dissolves sugar in water and isn’t very thick. However, the longer you simmer the mixture, the thicker the syrup becomes. Likewise, a rich syrup (with a higher sugar-to-water ratio) is naturally thicker, too.

Once your ginger simple syrup has reached the desired thickness (it thickens more as it cools), remove from the heat. Allow it to steep with a lid on until it reaches your desired taste (check every 10 minutes).

Finally, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the ginger pulp, and pour it into a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Let it cool to room temperature.

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How Long Does Ginger Simple Syrup Last

Store the ginger simple syrup in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, giving it a shake before each use. Note that any add-ins may affect the shelf life. Look out for signs of cloudiness and mold to see if the homemade ginger syrup has spoiled.

Can You Freeze Ginger Syrup?

Due to the high sugar content, simple syrups don’t freeze solid. However, you can still extend the shelf life of this ginger infused simple syrup in the freezer, storing it for 8-10 months.

You can add the cubes to iced tea, lemonade, club soda, etc., straight from the freezer or allow it to thaw at room temperature first

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How to Use Ginger Syrup

If you love the taste of ginger, there are practically endless ginger syrup uses, including:

  • It’s the perfect ginger co*cktail syrup (ginger mojito, margarita, Moscow mule, etc.). It can be used as a ginger concentrate for ginger syrup co*cktails.
  • Use it to make lemonade, soda water (with fresh lime juice), homemade ginger ale, or kombucha.
  • Spoon into hot chocolate, tea, or coffee drinks.
  • Use ginger sugar syrup to flavor frosting and icing.
  • Brush over cake layers to keep them moist.
  • Drizzle over gingerbread, chai, or other “spiced” cupcakes and muffins.
  • Drizzle over waffles, french toast, and pancakes.
  • Drizzle over yogurt bowls with fruit.
  • Enjoy with oatmeal and overnight oats.
  • Drizzle over ice cream.
  • Use as part of a marinade of glaze for proteins.
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FAQs

Do you have to peel the ginger for homemade ginger syrup recipe?

No, it’s up to you. I often leave the peel if the ginger is organic. The flavor is the same, though the color is slightly darker.

How to make ginger rich syrup?

Use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. This creates a richer, thicker syrup with an extended shelf life (1-2 months in the fridge).

How to use the leftover ginger pulp?

You can add this sweetened pulp to smoothies, use it to make ginger tea, toss it in sugar, and dehydrate/dry it to make candied ginger. Or you can even blend and spread it across a parchment-lined tray, then dehydrate it to make ginger pulp crackers.

More Simple Syrup Recipes

  • How to Make Simple Syrup
  • Lavender Syrup
  • Pomegranate Molasses
  • Date Syrup (Natural Date Sweetener)
Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (9)
Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (10)
Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (11)

If you try this simple ginger syrup recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions below. Also, I’d really appreciate a recipe card rating below, and tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!

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Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe

5 from 12 votes

By: Samira

This 3-ingredient fresh ginger syrup is zingy, robust, and perfect for adding to co*cktails, lemonade, desserts, and more! Honey ginger syrup and sugar-free options are included.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 Tablespoons

Ingredients

  • 3.2 oz fresh ginger 1 cup grated
  • 6.4 oz sugar 1 cup; white, cane, coconut, brown, etc.; or a sugar alternative like erythritol
  • 1 cup water

This amount will yield about 1 cup of ginger syrup

    Instructions

    • Peel and grate(or mince) the ginger.

      When using organic ginger, I often keep the peel on, though the ginger-infused syrup will be slightly darker. You could also use ginger slices, but the flavor takes longer to infuse.

    • Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring well until the sugar dissolves.

    • Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low-medium, and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the ginger to infuse.

    • Once your ginger simple syrup has reached the desired thickness (it thickens more as it cools), remove it from the heat and allow it to steep with a lid on until it reaches your desired taste (check every 10 minutes).

    • Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger pulp, and pour it into a clean, airtight bottle or jar.

    Storage Instructions

    • Store the ginger simple syrup in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, giving it a shake before each use. Note that any add-ins may affect the shelf life. Look out for signs of cloudiness and mold to see if the homemade ginger syrup has spoiled.

      Can You Freeze Ginger Syrup?

      Due to the high sugar content, simple syrups don’t freeze solid. However, you can still extend the shelf life of this ginger simple syrup in the freezer, storing it for 8-10 months.

    Notes

    • To sterilize your jar: Wash the jars/bottles in hot soapy water, rinsing well. Then place the jars (no rubber or plastic parts) in a preheated oven for ten minutes at 160ºC/325ºF to dry fully (any moisture can cause spoilage sooner). Alternatively, you can boil the jars for 10 minutes.
    • Tweak the ratios: Add more or less ginger, depending on how robust you want the flavor.
    • For a more robust flavor: Blend the syrup with the ginger pulp after it cools, then strain it through a nut milk bag.

    Optional add-ins and variations:

    • Honey ginger syrup: Substitute the sugar for honey (or maple syrup). You can also experiment with the ratio of honey to water if preferred (I never use more than 1:1).
    • Vanilla: Use 1-2 vanilla pods, seeds scraped out, then remove the empty pods before storing the syrup.
    • Gingerbread syrup: Add a pre-blended “gingerbread” spice blend. I also like to add light molasses (2-3 Tbsp) for a richer gingerbread flavor.
    • Other spices: i.e., cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, etc., added to taste.
    • Ginger-mint syrup: Add around ½ cup of lightly packed fresh mint leaves to the ginger syrup recipe.
    • Lemon-ginger syrup: Add a ⅓-½ cup of fresh lemon juice for a bright and zesty syrup. You could add some lemon zest, too.
    • Chili-ginger: Swap out the chili used based on how spicy you want it to be. I use one small bird’s eye chili, sliced, and remove it before decanting the spicy ginger syrup. You can optionally toast the chili first for a slightly smoky flavor in the ginger concentrate.
    • Ginger coconut syrup: Swap out the water for coconut water for ginger-infused simple syrup with added complexity and a slightly nutty flavor.

    Check the blog post for more tips, serving recommendations, and answers to top FAQs!

    Course: Condiment, DIYs

    Cuisine: American, Asian, Global

    Freezer friendly: 6-8 Months

    Shelf life: 2 Weeks (in fridge)

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Tbsp, Calories: 48kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 24mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 0.04mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Like this? Leave a comment below!

    Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    How long does ginger simple syrup last? ›

    How Long Does Homemade Ginger Syrup Last? Once made, homemade ginger syrup can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to two months.

    What is ginger syrup made of? ›

    Preparation. Bring ginger, sugar, and water to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then gently simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve and reserve ginger for another use (see cooks' note, below), then cool to room temperature.

    Does ginger syrup need to be refrigerated? ›

    Once opened, you should refrigerate our Ginger Juice, Turmeric Juice, Minced Ginger, Grated Ginger and Pickled Sushi Ginger. We do not recommend refrigerating our Ginger Syrup or Ginger Spread, but suggest it be stored in the pantry like honey.

    How to turn ginger into liquid? ›

    Combine the ginger and water in a blender and blend for about a minute until the ginger is a pulp. Strain, pressing out as much liquid as you can. This is your ginger juice. For every cup of ginger juice, add 2 cups sugar.

    What to do with a lot of fresh ginger? ›

    I like to grate some into jams I make to give them a bit of a kick, I will add chopped fresh ginger to my chutneys and curries. I will make a hot water drink with fresh ginger slices, lemon and honey, especially if I feel a cold coming on. I like to candy fresh ginger by creating a simple syrup.

    Do you have to refrigerate simple syrup after making? ›

    Simple syrup should be stored in the fridge, and not kept at room temperature for extended periods of time. Unflavored syrup can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.

    What are the side effects of ginger syrup? ›

    It is rare to have side effects from ginger. In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.

    What are the benefits of drinking ginger syrup? ›

    Ginger has many possible health benefits. For instance, it may help reduce nausea, manage weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, protect nerve function, and reduce the risk of cancer.

    Is ginger syrup good for you? ›

    The Many Health Benefits of Ginger

    Not only is it well-known for its anti-nausea and digestive properties, but it's also an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, a circulatory stimulant, and appetite stimulant (“Ginger,” n.d.).

    How to preserve homemade simple syrup? ›

    Simple syrup can be preserved for months by adding 1 ounce of sodium benzoate with ¼ ounce of citric acid, per gallon of simple syrup. Each ingredient must be added separately and stirred into the syrup separately and thoroughly.

    How to store homemade simple syrup? ›

    If stored incorrectly or for too long it's easy for the sugar and water mixture to grow mold. Store simple syrup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. In a glass jar, the mixture can stay in the fridge for about a month, or it can also be frozen.

    Do honey and ginger go together? ›

    Eases Nausea

    Ginger is commonly used to provide relief from nausea. This is especially effective for nausea, morning sickness, and vomiting during pregnancy. Ginger tea with honey might have a similar effect. The addition of honey makes it more palatable for people who don't like the taste of raw ginger.

    Can I just put ginger in water? ›

    The easiest way to make it is to just add ground ginger or a few slices of fresh ginger root to water. But these aren't the most efficient ways to get ginger to release its natural compounds. Steeping ginger in hot water also helps make it more flavorful. You can serve it chilled if you prefer a cold drink.

    Do you need to peel ginger before you use it? ›

    Although you can remove the skin using a peeler, we prefer using the scraping method using a teaspoon. Fresh ginger doesn't always have to be peeled. If the ginger is young and the skin is very fine or if it is going to be finely chopped or grated, you can skip the peeling step.

    Can I eat raw ginger? ›

    It is also proven to boost one's health due to its medicinal value. Millions of people the world over swear by the healing power of ginger. You can eat it whole, ground, cooked or raw. Ginger is a spicy root that has proven to be an effective natural remedy for some common diseases.

    How long does herb infused simple syrup last? ›

    Store simple syrup in the glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

    How long does flavored homemade simple syrup last? ›

    Infused simple syrups are good for around three months, according to Saveur, although they also suggest giving the syrup a sniff test to make sure it still smells good. Syrups that incorporate juices or purees, however, will only last around two or three weeks.

    How long does simple syrup last after making it? ›

    The shelf life of your simple syrup will depend upon the cleanliness of the airtight container and the amount of sugar in your mixture. The standard one-to-one sugar-to-water ratio will produce a simple syrup that lasts about one month in the fridge.

    How long will flavored simple syrup last? ›

    Infused simple syrup: By adding herbs, spices, or fruit you've greatly reduced the shelf life of your simple syrup. Mostly due to the fact that those added fresh ingredients will start to break down. If stored properly, and infused simple syrup will last for 1-2 weeks.

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