Refreshing Ginger and Turmeric Drink

There's no better way to start the day than with a homemade health drink! Made with ginger, turmeric and fresh lemon, this beverage is bursting with flavor and goodness. Ginger and turmeric root contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon detoxifies and alkalinizes the body. It also strengthens our immune system thanks to its high concentration of vitamin C. 

To soften the pronounced taste of this drink, the addition of a sweetener is favorable. Lakanto sweetener with classic monk fruit gives us several advantages over traditional sugar. This sweetener is made from an exclusive blend of pure monk fruit extract and erythritol, an alternative to cane sugar. Monk fruit, or Luo Han Guo, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes pumpkins, cucumbers, melons and squash. This sweetener is GMO-free, with no artificial aftertastes or flavours. It looks, tastes and cooks like sugar (1:1 ratio). Bonus: it's also calorie-free! What more could you ask for? 

Very versatile, you can serve this drink hot, warm or cold, depending on the season and taste!

Serving size: 2-3

Preparation time: 5-10 minutes 

Cooking time: 30 minutes 

Meals: Hot, warm or cold beverage. Best in the morning on an empty stomach 

Cooking : Gluten-free, vegetarian (vegan), ketogenic, detoxification

Culinary tools : Medium pot, colander, large Masson jar (if refrigeration required) 

Difficulty: Easy

Cooling time: We recommend that you consume this decoction the same day for maximum benefit. Otherwise, keep refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ginger and turmeric refreshing drink ingredients

• 1 organic lemon
• 1 small piece of fresh organic ginger root, about 4 inches long (equivalent to about 3 tbsp. sliced ginger)
• 1 small piece of fresh organic turmeric root, about 2 inches long (equivalent to about 1 tbsp. sliced turmeric)
• 1 tsp.classic monk fruit sweetener  
• A few freshly ground black peppercorns
• 4 cups spring or filtered water

How to make the refreshing ginger-turmeric drink

• Rinse and brush ginger, turmeric and lemon under cold water. 
• Cut the ginger and turmeric into thin slices. Be careful, as the inside of the turmeric stains fingers and work surfaces very easily.  
• Place the slices in a saucepan with the water. Bring the mixture to the boil.
• From the start of the boil, cook for a further 10 minutes over medium-high heat.
• Remove from heat and macerate for 20 minutes, covered. Add a few pieces of coarsely ground black pepper. After 20 minutes, the liquid should have reduced by about half. 
• Strain through a colander. Add additional spices if desired (suggestions: pinch of real cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon), stick of real cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon), cloves and/or whole green cardamom) and allow to cool to the temperature of your choice. 
• To serve, add the juice of half a lemon and 1 tsp.sweetener with classic monk fruit in a mug (hot) or glass (cold). Pour in the spicy ginger-turmeric mixture. Dissolve the crystals by stirring with a spoon. Add more lemon juice or sweetener to taste. Repeat for second portion.
• Serve with topping(s) of your choice (see Tips & Tricks section)!

Tips and tricks for the Ginger-Turmeric Refreshing Drink

• Adding lemon juice at the last minute preserves the vitamins, especially vitamin C, and its fresh taste. 
• Garnish ideas: lemon slices, lemon zest, ice cubes, a splash of milk of your choice.
• Consumed about 15-20 minutes before a meal, this beverage can aid digestion. 
• For more recipes using the classic monk fruit sweetener, see our article on monk fruit sweeteners. herbal iced teas.  

Substitutions for the refreshing ginger-turmeric drink

• You can substitutesweetener with a natural sweetener such as unpasteurized honey.
• In a hurry? The quick version of this recipe includes ground ginger and turmeric: place 1/2 tsp ground ginger and 1/8 tsp ground turmeric in a mug. Pour in boiling water and leave to stand for a few minutes. To complete the recipe, add the juice of half a lemon, 1 tsp. sweetener and the toppings of your choice.

Cheers! 

Recipe creation: 

Valérie Gendron-Legault