Ginger Cooler
This African-style ginger drink is a spicy-sweet way to cool off, with the added benefit of being loaded with all of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger. A little bit of fresh mint and lemon juice add depth and brightness.This recipe is free of gluten, dairy, and nightshades, as well as being fully vegan.(Adapted from Immaculate Bites)
Servings: 2 quarts
Equipment
- strainer
- cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh ginger peeled and chopped
- 18 fresh mint leaves
- 8 cups water
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Add peeled, chopped ginger to a blender with 1 cup of water. Puree until smooth. Pour into a large bowl (2 quarts at the barest minimum), then set aside.
- Bring the remaining 7 cups water to a boil.
- While water is heating, crush the mint leaves with the back of a spoon or mortar and pestle (you don't need to turn them to paste - we're just scuffing them up a bit so their flavor will infuse into the drink faster). Add them to the bowl with the ginger paste.
- Once the water has reached boiling, pour it over the ginger and mint. Then pour that mixture through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into another bowl. (You can do this immediately if you prefer a milder drink, or allow it to steep for a few minutes if you want a more intense ginger flavor). Squeeze through any liquid retained in the pulp using the back of a spoon. Discard the leftover solids.
- Add the lemon juice and sugar, and stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill in refrigerator and serve cold (over ice if desired).
Notes
• If you don't have access to a blender, you could grate the ginger instead. Obviously, this will add a significant amount of prep time. Alternatively, you could use a jarred ginger paste to speed things up, but this will be much more expensive (and might also be loaded with preservatives and other ingredients).
• You could omit the mint, if you choose, but it will change the overall flavor. You could also experiment with swapping in other herbs or aromatics for a different flavor profile.
• Chele quite enjoys this mixed with some crushed pineapple. If you are a pineapple fan, you probably will, too. Other bright, tart fruits such as orange, mango, and passionfruit would probably meld nicely as well.
• If the amount of sugar we suggest here is too much for you, feel free to adjust it to suit you or to swap in an alternative sweetener of your choice (honey would be ideal if you are looking to maximize the health benefits of the ginger). Keep in mind that both ginger and mint are quite potent, so most people will need that sweetness to balance things out and make this enjoyable to drink.
• You could omit the mint, if you choose, but it will change the overall flavor. You could also experiment with swapping in other herbs or aromatics for a different flavor profile.
• Chele quite enjoys this mixed with some crushed pineapple. If you are a pineapple fan, you probably will, too. Other bright, tart fruits such as orange, mango, and passionfruit would probably meld nicely as well.
• If the amount of sugar we suggest here is too much for you, feel free to adjust it to suit you or to swap in an alternative sweetener of your choice (honey would be ideal if you are looking to maximize the health benefits of the ginger). Keep in mind that both ginger and mint are quite potent, so most people will need that sweetness to balance things out and make this enjoyable to drink.