Go Back

Homemade Ginger Soda

A refreshing homemade ginger soda concentrate made with fresh ginger, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, ready to mix with sparkling water for a spicy-sweet drink.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Modern American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 ounces fresh ginger root peeled and sliced thin
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 to 6 cups sparkling water for serving
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat

Equipment

  • Sharp chef's knife or vegetable peeler
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Large glass jar or bottle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender or food processor (optional)

Method
 

  1. Peel 3 ounces of fresh ginger root and slice into 1/8-inch thick pieces using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 2 cups water and 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves to form a simple syrup.
  3. Add the sliced ginger to the simmering syrup and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer the ginger and syrup mixture for 12 to 15 minutes, until the liquid turns golden and fragrant.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
  6. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing the solids to extract the syrup.
  7. Allow the ginger concentrate to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate.
  8. To serve, combine 1/2 cup ginger concentrate with 3/4 cup chilled sparkling water in a glass over ice, adjusting ratios to taste.

Notes

Store the ginger concentrate in the refrigerator for up to three weeks and adjust the syrup-to-water ratio to taste.