September 12, 2013

Ginger Tea Lemonade

I’ve completely neglected the beverage department for a good while, which is somewhat disappointing considering that I’ve been happily sipping on this one particular drink all summer long.  But I’m here to make up for it by sharing with you the recipe for this wonderful Ginger Tea Lemonade that has kept me refreshed and hydrated throughout the scorching season.  And it’s still my non-alcoholic drink of choice stepping into fall!    




I hardly drink tea and hardly ever pay any attention to lemonade especially when it’s pink or comes in a dreadful cardboard container.  But pairing black tea with fresh lemon juice can put things in a very happy perspective!  This drink makes me want to comfortably lay by the pool at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, baking under the torrid dessert sun and getting crispier by the minute, while slowly sipping this lemonade before jumping in the water to cool off.  But wait!  It was only a few days ago that I was doing just that while in Vegas!  (Except that I was actually gulping a strawberry smoothie that I’ll tell you more about another time.  But you get the idea.)





This Ginger Tea Lemonade is tea and lemonade all in one.  It’s sweet and lemony, bubbly and invigorating with a subtle spicy note from the ginger, and a full boost of energy from the black tea.  Skip the afternoon pick-me-up cup of coffee or can of soda and opt for a chilled and fizzy homemade Ginger Tea Lemonade to calm down your thirst during any season!  Cheers, everyone! 





Ginger Tea Lemonade
Adapted from Ginger Tea Lemonade by Giada De Laurentiis

Makes: 6+ servings

Ingredients for the Tea:

·         2 cups water
·         3 black tea bags
·         2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 juicy lemons
·         Ginger Simple Syrup, ingredients and recipe follow
·         1 liter sparkling water, chilled
·         Optional: lemon slices, for garnish




Ingredients for the Ginger Simple Syrup:

·         1 cup granulated sugar
·         1 cup water
·         1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped




Instructions for the Tea:

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the tea bags.  Stir and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.  Remove the tea bags and discard them. 






In a large pitcher, pour the tea mixture, lemon juice, Ginger Simple Syrup, and sparkling water.  Add the lemon slices and serve the lemonade over ice. 




Instructions for the Ginger Simple Syrup:

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the sugar, water and ginger.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.  Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 30 minutes.  Strain before using the syrup.  




Poftă Bună! (Bon Appétit!)

39 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. It surely is a refreshing drink! Thanks so much :)

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  2. I absolutely love.those.straws! I bought a box last year in Lawrenceville and recently used the last one for my morning smoothie. Did you happen to buy them locally?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Katy! Aren't these straws the cutest ever? I actually did buy them locally at the Sur la Table store in the South Side!

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  3. Hi Dana! I love lemonade and I've been drinking it all summer long too :) I can't wait to try your recipe next week! Laura

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  4. I used to go to a hair salon that gave me ginger honey tea while I waited. This drink reminds me of that one, only so much better! OMG Dana, I love it!

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    1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Paula! It's a great, refreshing drink :)

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  5. This drink sounds absolutely perfect for warm weather! I am going to have to save the recipe for next summer!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny! This lemonade is perfect for summer, but it works great in chilly weather, too :)

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  6. Yum, lemons!! If we had a garden the first thing I'd plant would be a lemon tree. Just can't live without it! xx

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jamie! So nice to hear from you! Thank you so much for stopping by :) I hear you... if only we had a garden, too. I'd definitely plant a lemon tree! :)

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Liz! The ginger adds a very nice kick :)

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  8. I want to like lemon tea but there's something missing... I know! Ginger and a certain sparkle. I have all the ingredients so making a large jug of this for the fridge. It's right up my street!

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    1. Hi Hester! The ginger is indeed the secret ingredient of this lemonade! I think you will love it :)

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  9. Hi Dana,

    I'm pinching this recipe... These will be a nice and refreshing drinks for our arriving down-under summer :D

    Zoe

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    Replies
    1. Hi Zoe! Summer is just around the corner for you and this lemonade would be perfect but it's great in any season, too :)

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  10. The ginger and lime flavours would be amazing. This drink does look very refreshing and it's perfect for the weather we're having at the moment xx

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Charlie! I'm sure that it would work beautifully with lime too instead of lemon. And it's perfect and refreshing :)

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  11. I made your ginger tea lemonade yesterday and everyone raved about it!!! My sister said that it was the best homemade lemonade she's ever had :) Laura

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    1. Yaayyy! Thank you so much for the wonderful comment, Laura!!! So happy to hear that everyone raved about the lemonade! I've been drinking this lemonade all summer long and I'm still enjoying it during the cooler days that we're having right now :)

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  12. this sounds absolutely delicious and refreshing! I cannot wait to try this Dana!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jenn! I think you will like this lemonade. Let me know :)

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  13. That looks so refreshing and delicious :D

    Cheers
    CCU

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  14. Love these photos, with the black background! Everything just pops. And that lemonade looks incredibly refreshing--cheers!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Danguole! I'm so happy that you love my pictures :)

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  15. Oh, this looks so delicious! I could see it being really comforting as a warmer beverage during the winter, too :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alex! Thanks so much! You're so right! This lemonade works beautifully during any season including the cold winter :)

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