Quick answer: To make ginger tea, thinly slice a 3–4cm piece of fresh ginger, put it in a small pan with 300ml of water, bring it to the boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Strain it into a mug and add honey and a squeeze of lemon to taste. For a quicker cup, pour boiling water over grated ginger and leave it for 10 minutes.
What you need
- A 3–4cm piece of fresh ginger (about the size of your thumb)
- 300ml water per mug
- Honey, lemon or lime (optional)
- A small pan and a strainer
How to make ginger tea: step by step
- Wash the ginger. There’s no need to peel it if the skin is thin, but you can peel it with the edge of a teaspoon.
- Slice it thinly, or grate it for a stronger, spicier tea.
- Put it in a pan with 300ml of cold water and bring it to the boil.
- Turn the heat down, cover and simmer for 10 minutes (up to 20 for a stronger tea).
- Strain into a mug, add honey and lemon to taste, and enjoy.
Simmering is called a decoction, the best way to get the flavour out of a tough root. Read infusion vs decoction.
The quick mug method
No pan? Grate a teaspoon of fresh ginger into a mug, pour on boiling water, cover and leave for 10 minutes. Strain or let the ginger settle before drinking. It’s a little milder than the simmered version.
Ginger tea variations
| Version | How |
|---|---|
| Ginger and lemongrass | Make ginger tea, take it off the heat, add a lemongrass tea bag and steep 5 minutes |
| Ginger and turmeric | Add a turmeric tea bag to the hot ginger tea for a golden, spicy cup |
| Ginger, lime and honey | Swap lemon for lime for a Caribbean-style twist |
| Iced ginger tea | Make it strong, cool it and serve over ice with lime and mint |
| Spiced ginger tea | Simmer the ginger with a cinnamon stick and 2 cloves |
How strong should it be?
Fresh ginger is warming and peppery. The more you use, the thinner you slice it and the longer you simmer, the hotter it gets. Start with the amounts above and adjust next time.
Storing fresh ginger
Keep unpeeled ginger in the fridge, in a bag, for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it whole and grate it from frozen.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, check with your GP or pharmacist before drinking a lot of a new herbal drink.
Ginger tea for a crowd
For 4 mugs, simmer a 10–12cm piece of sliced ginger in 1.2 litres of water for 15 minutes. Strain into a teapot or flask and serve with honey, lemon and lime on the side. Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a day and reheat gently.
Fresh or ground ginger?
Fresh ginger gives the cleanest, brightest flavour. Ground ginger works in a pinch: stir a quarter of a teaspoon into a mug of hot water, but it can be cloudy and gritty, so let it settle before drinking.
Serving suggestions
Ginger tea is lovely after dinner, on a cold day, or iced in summer. Serve it with a slice of lemon or lime on the rim and a small dish of honey.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make ginger tea with fresh ginger?
Slice a thumb-sized piece, simmer it in 300ml of water for 10 minutes, strain and add honey and lemon.
Do you need to peel ginger for tea?
No. Just wash it well. Peel it if the skin is thick or dry.
How long should ginger tea simmer?
About 10 minutes. Simmer longer for a stronger, spicier tea.
Is ginger tea caffeine-free?
Yes. Ginger tea made only from ginger is naturally caffeine-free.
Shop the teas in this article
- Lemongrass tea bags – £8
- Turmeric tea bags – £8
- Caribbean Bay Leaf Teabags – £8