How long should I boil ginger for tea?

Simmer thin slices for about 10 minutes. Use 7 minutes for a milder tea and 12 minutes for a stronger one. For a large pot, plan on about 25 minutes. See the timing table above.

Do I need to peel ginger for tea?

No. Peeling is optional. Minimalist Baker leaves it up to you, and Tasting Table recommends peeling. Wash the ginger well, and peel it if the skin looks dry or wrinkled.

How much ginger do I use per cup?

For one cup of tea, use 2 tablespoons of thin ginger slices (about 12 g) and 1 1/4 cups of water. The ratio table above shows amounts for 2 and 4 cups.

Does ginger tea have caffeine?

Not when it is made with only ginger and water. No tea leaves are used, so the tea has no caffeine.

How many calories are in ginger tea?

Plain ginger tea has under 10 calories per cup by my estimate from USDA data. Adding 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice brings it to about 35 calories.

Can I make ginger tea ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in a covered jar in the refrigerator, then reheat it or serve it over ice. Minimalist Baker says it keeps for up to a week, and I prefer to drink it within a few days.

Can I use the same ginger slices twice?

You can simmer used slices again for a weaker second cup. Expect a milder flavor, so add a few fresh slices if you want more spice.

Fresh Ginger Tea: Easy Recipe (Hot, Iced, or Lemon-Honey)

Description

A simple fresh ginger tea made by simmering thin ginger slices in water for 10 minutes. Serve it plain, or with honey and lemon.

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger (about 24 g)
2 1/2 cups (590 ml) water
Honey, to taste (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Wash the ginger and slice it thinly. Peeling is optional.
Add the ginger and water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Use 7 minutes for a milder tea or 12 minutes for a stronger one.
Strain into two mugs.
Stir in honey to taste and add a squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve hot.

Notes

Strength: simmer 7 minutes for a mild tea, 10 for a medium tea, and 12 for a strong, spicy tea. Peeling is optional. Storage: keep leftover tea in a covered jar in the fridge and reheat gently, or serve it over ice. Nutrition is an estimate from USDA raw ginger root (FDC 169231) and assumes all of the ginger calories end up in the cup, which overstates a strained tea. Honey and lemon are not included.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 8 fl oz / 240 ml)
Calories: 10
Sugar: 0.2g
Sodium: 2mg
Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 0.2g

Keywords: fresh ginger tea, homemade ginger tea, ginger tea recipe