Looking to cool off with something zesty, homemade, and refreshingly simple? This Batch Ginger Lemonade & Ginger‑Thyme Sparkling Lemonade (Perfect for Summer) recipe brings together bold citrus, warm spice, and fragrant herbs in two make-ahead drinks ideal for sunny days.
Perfect for family gatherings, summer parties, or just a solo sip on the porch, this lemonade duo is hydrating, vibrant, and easy to prepare in large quantities.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy ginger, herbal infusions, or bubbly finishes, this recipe delivers both flavor and function.
Looking for more refreshing summer drinks? Browse our Mango Iced Green Tea Recipe, another crowd-pleaser!
Table of Contents
Why Ginger Lemonade Is the Ultimate Summer Sipper
Ginger lemonade is more than just a drink. It’s anti-inflammatory, digestion-boosting, and full of immune-supportive nutrients. With a sharp bite from fresh ginger and the tang of lemons, it’s a refreshing option for staying hydrated when the heat hits.
Benefits of Ginger & Lemon in Summer Drinks:
- Natural electrolyte replenishment from citrus
- Ginger supports digestion and circulation
- Honey provides a touch of natural sweetness
- Sparkling water adds texture and refreshment
What Makes These Two Lemonades Different?
- Batch Ginger Lemonade: Traditional still lemonade, great for big servings.
- Ginger-Thyme Sparkling Lemonade: Fizzy, herbal, and slightly floral for a more refined presentation.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s everything you’ll need to make both versions. Each recipe serves approximately 8–10 people and can be doubled easily.
Batch Ginger Lemonade
- 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 6–8 lemons)
- ½ cup fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
- ¾ cup honey or agave syrup
- 5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes for serving
- Lemon slices for garnish
Ginger-Thyme Sparkling Lemonade
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ cup ginger-thyme simple syrup (recipe below)
- 4 cups sparkling water (chilled)
- 1 bunch fresh thyme
- Lemon wedges, fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How to Make Batch Ginger Lemonade
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Ginger Infusion:
In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and the sliced ginger to a simmer. Cover and let it steep for 20 minutes. Strain and cool. - Mix Lemon Base:
In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved. - Combine & Dilute:
Add the cooled ginger infusion and remaining water. Stir to combine. - Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with lemon slices.
Tips for Batching It Right
- Prep Ahead: Make it 1 day ahead for stronger ginger flavor.
- Store Properly: Use glass containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust with more honey if needed.
How to Make Ginger-Thyme Sparkling Lemonade
Ginger-Thyme Syrup Recipe
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sliced ginger
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
Bring all syrup ingredients to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, then cool and strain. Refrigerate.
Assembling the Drink
- Mix Syrup and Lemon Juice:
In a carafe, combine ½ cup syrup and 1 cup lemon juice. - Add Sparkle:
Slowly pour in chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to combine. - Serve:
Pour over ice and garnish with fresh thyme and lemon.
Flavor Variations to Try
1. Ginger-Mint Lemonade
Replace thyme with fresh mint leaves for a brighter flavor. Add a handful of muddled mint before steeping.
2. Hibiscus-Ginger Lemonade
Steep hibiscus flowers with ginger for a pink hue and floral twist.
3. Cucumber-Ginger Sparkler
Add sliced cucumbers to your sparkling version for a cooling, spa-inspired drink.
Food Pairings for Ginger Lemonades
Best Served With:
- Grilled lemon herb chicken
- Vegan chickpea salad
- Shrimp tacos
- Summer berry tart
For a perfect meal combo, see our full Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bottled lemon juice: Always use fresh lemons for optimal flavor.
- Not straining ginger: Unstrained ginger makes for a gritty texture.
- Skipping chilling time: Cold lemonade = better flavor and mouthfeel.
Storage and Shelf Life
| Drink | Fridge Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Batch Ginger Lemonade | 5 days | Shake before serving |
| Sparkling Lemonade | 2 days | Best served fresh, after combining sparkling water |
Pro tip: Store the syrup separately and mix sparkling lemonade only when ready to serve.
Nutritional Highlights
- High in Vitamin C
- Low in refined sugar (thanks to honey)
- Hydrating and naturally anti-inflammatory
Looking for more nutrient-rich drinks? See our Watermelon Lime Cooler Recipe.
FAQ – People Also Ask
How to make a ginger and lemon hot drink?
To make a hot version, simmer fresh ginger slices and lemon juice in water. Sweeten with honey. Serve warm, ideal for colds or digestion support.
How to make ginger and mint drink?
Simmer ginger with mint leaves and cool. Mix with lemon juice and a sweetener. Serve chilled with ice and mint garnish.
How to make lemonade using sparkling water?
Prepare a lemon syrup base using juice and sweetener. Combine with cold sparkling water just before serving. Adjust sweetness to taste.
How to make pink sparkling lemonade?
Add hibiscus or cranberry juice to your lemon base for a pink tint. Pair with sparkling water and garnish with berries for presentation.
Conclusion: The Summer Lemonade Set You Didn’t Know You Needed
The Batch Ginger Lemonade & Ginger‑Thyme Sparkling Lemonade (Perfect for Summer) is more than a drink—it’s an experience. Easy to batch, endlessly customizable, and refreshingly healthy, it’s the go-to solution for hydration with flair.
Want more make-ahead summer drinks? See our full Cold Brew Tea Collection for seasonal sips.
Also, check out our Guide to Summer Picnic Recipes for ideas to pair with these lemonades.