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    Home » Beverages

    Homemade Ginger Syrup

    Published: Aug 4, 2022 · Modified: Jan 9, 2024 by Tammy Circeo · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    Yum
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    When our first daughter was expecting her first child, she had a bit of nausea that sometimes comes with the hormonal changes of pregnancy. I remembered my own experiences and knew that something sweet can help. I also remembered Mom offering us ginger ale when we had stomachaches as kids so I decided to make a ginger simple syrup that could be added to sparkling water for a homemade version of ginger ale.

    Two servings of Ginger Ale with homemade ginger syrup with lemons

    What is a simple syrup?

    Homemade Ginger Syrup is simply a simple syrup infused with ginger. And a simple syrup is just 2 parts water to one part sugar. You can add herbs or fruits to create any flavor you like.


    I used David Lebowitz's version, but if the called-for amount of ginger is too spicy for you, feel free to cut back on it. Likewise, if you want more, feel free to add more!

    organic ginger, organic cane sugar, and filtered water measured out

    What kind of sugar to use

    I always advocate for organic everything so in this case, I use organic cane sugar. If you want to use white granulated sugar, that's your choice.

    How do I prepare the ginger?

    You don't have to peel the ginger if you don't want to. In fact, I like the bit of darker color that it gives to the syrup. However, if you want to use the ginger pieces for another purpose, you should probably peel them. The leftover ginger can be added to a batch of marmalade, or patted dry and chopped further, then added to just-churned ice cream or gingersnap cookie dough.

    You don't have to be precise with the chop on the ginger. The purpose is to get it small enough that while it simmers with the water and sugar that it imparts plenty of ginger flavor in the process.

    Fresh ginger chopped on a cutting board for Ginger Simple Syrup

    Bring chopped ginger to a boil with the sugar and water, then simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Your home will smell amazing.

    Chopped ginger in water and sugar in a Le Creuset

    Let the ginger cool in the syrup, then strain it out.

    Straining the ginger from the syrup

    How to use the Homemade Ginger Syrup to make ginger Ale

    To make a glass of ginger ale, put some ice in a glass ... or Mason jar. Then add ginger syrup to about a quarter or a third of the glass depending on your taste preferences. Try a quarter first, then add more if you like. Top with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to combine and enjoy.

    Two servings of Ginger Ale with lemon slices

    Recipe

    Two servings of Ginger Ale with homemade ginger syrup with lemons

    Homemade Ginger Syrup

    Tammy Circeo
    Homemade Ginger Syrup is a simple syrup infused with ginger. Make ginger ale or cocktails, sweeten ice tea, or flavor fruit salads.
    4.67 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounces chopped ginger (225 grams)
    • 4 cups water filtered or spring water preferred
    • 2 cups sugar organic cane
    • pinch salt

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the ginger into thin slices, then coarsely chop it into smaller pieces.
    • Place the ginger along with the water, sugar, and salt in a non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cook for 45 minutes to one hour.
    • Let cool, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer. Store the strained syrup in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to use.
    • TO MAKE GINGER ALE: Fill glasses with ice, the pour ginger syrup to ¼-⅓ of the glass (depending on your taste), add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Top with sparkling water or tonic water. Stir gently to mix the ingredients and garnish with a round of citrus or fresh mint.

    Notes

    You may peel the ginger if you choose, but if you don’t, it will give the syrup a slightly darker color. The leftover ginger can be added to a batch of marmalade, or patted dry and chopped further, then added to just-churned ice cream or gingersnap cookie dough. If you plan to reuse it, you should peel it before making the syrup with it.
    This syrup is quite spicy and if you find it a bit too spicy and want to tone it down, the next time you make it (or the first time!), you can blanch the chopped ginger first in boiling water, let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then drain it and proceed with the recipe.
    Other Uses: You could also make a terrific cocktail with this as a base, using bourbon, whiskey, or rum. Another possibility is to use a few spoonfuls of this syrup to sweeten iced tea or drizzle over a fruit salad.
    The syrup should last at least a couple of weeks, refrigerated.
    Keyword ginger, simple syrup
    Yum

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    About Tammy Circeo

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather P

      May 31, 2025 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never made a beverage syrup of any kind. I wanted to try making my own ginger ale. This recipe is fantastic! It tastes just like ginger ale when mixed with carbonated water, except better because I can control the sweetness. So pleased with this!!!

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        June 03, 2025 at 8:39 am

        I'm happy to hear that, Heather! I love making things absolutely from scratch, not only because I can control the quality of the ingredients, but also of the flavors!

        Reply
    2. KBec

      May 06, 2025 at 5:50 pm

      3 stars
      At the risk of being called a stickler, I'd say any good bartender's simple syrup is a one-to-one ratio of water & sugar. Many do a Rich simple or Rich Demerara simple, which is 2 sugars to 1 water. The latter lasts longer due to the high sugar content preventing mold (from what I read). But I'm sure this syrup is quite tasty.

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        May 11, 2025 at 10:38 pm

        Well, I'm not a bartender, just an at-home cook. But yes, I know that a classic simple syrup is a one-to-one ratio of water and sugar. Making a simple syrup at home means it's not necessary for it to be long-lasting because you can make only as much as you need in the moment. Actually, even in a commercial setting, I would advise to only make what is necessary and eliminate the need for more sugar. It sounds like you maybe didn't try the recipe before commenting? Perhaps you would be willing to do so and change your rating from 3 stars to 5.

        Reply
    3. Jamie

      January 24, 2025 at 5:17 pm

      How should this be stored and how long should it be kept?? 🤓 New to making simple syrups, but SO excited you shared your recipe! 💕

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        January 25, 2025 at 6:13 pm

        I hope you'll be able to put this syrup to good use! You can store it in the fridge for quite a long time. There are differing opinions ... some say a week, some say a month, others say 6 months, and yet others say "indefinitely"! As with most things, I encourage you to use common sense and go with your gut.

        Reply
    4. Linda Breedt

      January 05, 2025 at 2:14 am

      thank you from south africa, cape town. this is delicious!!! Just made it, so refreshing!

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        January 06, 2025 at 2:41 pm

        You are so welcome! Enjoy. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Karla Fiallos

      December 05, 2024 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing I want to make naughty but nice cocktails and it requires this.I hope my bar likes it Saturday at the Christmas Party.

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        December 05, 2024 at 10:03 am

        I hope so as well! Enjoy.

        Reply
    6. Tam

      November 30, 2024 at 2:13 pm

      can't wait to try!
      can it be frozen?

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        December 01, 2024 at 11:05 am

        I hope you enjoy it! Yes, you could freeze it. I would suggest freezing it in ice cubes, then pour the sparkling water over a cube when you want a ginger ale!

        Reply
    7. Denisa

      October 12, 2024 at 1:30 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for the recipe! Greetings from Czechia (Europe). 🙂

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        October 13, 2024 at 12:08 pm

        You are quite welcome. Bon appetit!

        Reply
    8. Irene Wong

      October 05, 2024 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      delicious! not as sweet as other syrup recipes I've tried, and so gingery, I love it. Perfect in a hot tea or cold with carbonated water and lemon.

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        October 07, 2024 at 11:18 am

        Thank you, Irene. I love this syrup, too. It's so good for several different applications.

        Reply
    9. Kadee

      September 08, 2024 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      I made this to use in tea and lemonade. I did leave out the salt. love it. Just add about 2 ounces to an 8 ounce glass of tea or lemonade (adjust for your taste).
      I freeze the ginger slices and use later.

      Reply
      • Tammy Circeo

        September 09, 2024 at 12:23 pm

        So glad you love it!

        Reply

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    I have always loved nurturing and feeding people. My cooking style is influenced by my Southern parents, time living in Europe, and the foods available in the Pacific Northwest, where I lived for over 20 years. I cook from scratch and strongly support local farms and producers, believing that food plays a pivotal role in our quality of life.

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