Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (2024)

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By Samira @ Alphafoodie

published October 21, 2022

·

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)

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).

Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (3)

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!

Fresh Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe (12)

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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? ›

    Will keep, tightly sealed and refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.

    What is Ginger Syrup made of? ›

    Ginger syrup is made by cooking ginger with water and sugar until you obtain a syrupy consistency (see recipe below). Meanwhile ginger beer is traditionally a fermented beverage created by mixing ginger syrup (once cooled) with a mother culture (ginger beer plant) and leaving this mixture to ferment for a few days.

    Does Ginger Syrup need to be refrigerated? ›

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

    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 is the side effects of ginger? ›

    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 is the best way to preserve fresh ginger root? ›

    Freezing ginger is a great option for extending its freshness, because ginger frozen whole can last for up to five months. Just make sure to wash and dry the ginger root before you freeze it, and store it in a plastic bag or freezer-friendly container.

    When not to take ginger? ›

    Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ginger supplements. They could interact with blood thinners and medications for diabetes and high blood pressure.

    Can you drink too much fresh ginger? ›

    When taken by mouth: Ginger is likely safe. It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term.

    Which soda is made with real ginger? ›

    Reed's is packed with real, fresh ginger. We source our ginger sustainably from the Peruvian Amazon—a bold strain found nowhere else.

    Is Ginger Syrup good for you? ›

    Ginger has potent anti-inflammatory properties and also boosts the immune system – vital during cold and flu season especially! This syrup has a super concentrated ginger flavor and with that comes all of those health benefits as well!

    How to turn ginger into liquid? ›

    Using a juicer is the most efficient method, but they can get pricey, and you may not have one handy. If you don't have a juicer or blender, simply strain grated ginger root through a sheet of cheesecloth. Alternatively, blend chunks of ginger with water, then strain the pulp.

    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.

    Should simple syrup be 1:1 or 2:1? ›

    2:1 simple syrup is much less prone to spoilage than 1:1 is, as the 1:1 ratio is much more hospitable to mold and bacteria.

    How do you tell if fresh ginger has gone bad? ›

    Other visual cues that indicate it's time to toss the ginger include blemishes or mold on the exterior or cut ends, or a discolored interior (dark yellow, brown, gray cast) when sliced. Texture: Fresh ginger is firm, so if it's soft or mushy to the touch, it's a tell-tale sign that the ginger has gone bad.

    How long does herb infused simple syrup last? ›

    Master Recipe for Herb Simple Syrup for co*cktails

    Remove pan from heat and allow to cool at room temperature for 1/2 hour. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar; discard leaves. Refrigerate immediately. Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

    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 to store homemade ginger syrup? ›

    If kept covered in the fridge, ginger simple syrup should keep for up to two weeks, but may last a little bit longer than that. If it's no good, you'll notice little bits of mold. Pitch it, and start over. You can freeze ginger simple syrup.

    How long does ginger honey syrup last? ›

    Do I have to refrigerate ginger honey syrup? It depends on who you ask. Some people don't believe you have to refrigerate it since none of the ingredients need refrigeration. This syrup will keep for up to one month in an airtight container in the fridge.

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