Looking for the ultimate summer refreshment? This Batch Ginger Lemonade & Ginger‑Thyme Sparkling Lemonade recipe is your sunny-day solution. It’s spicy, citrusy, herbal—and best of all—crafted to keep you cool in big batches. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, lounging by the pool, or prepping a picnic, these zesty, immune-boosting lemonades are the stars of summer.
Craving more seasonal drinks? Don’t miss our Homemade Hibiscus Cooler for another naturally vibrant favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Batch Ginger Lemonade & Ginger‑Thyme Sparkling Lemonade
- Perfect for parties or large family gatherings
- Naturally hydrating and revitalizing
- Easy to batch prep in advance
- Fully customizable with herbs, fruit, or natural ferments
- Immune-boosting ingredients you can feel good about
Looking for a complete warm-weather menu? Pair these drinks with our Grilled Summer Veggie Skewers or Lemon Herb Pasta Salad.
Batch Ginger Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh ginger root (peeled and sliced)
- 6 cups filtered water
- 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 6–8 lemons)
- ½ cup raw honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
Preparation Steps
1. Simmer the Ginger
Add the sliced ginger to water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20–25 minutes.
2. Strain and Cool
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Strain out the ginger slices.
3. Add Lemon and Sweetener
While the liquid is still warm but not hot, stir in the fresh lemon juice and honey or maple syrup until fully dissolved.
4. Refrigerate and Serve
Pour into a glass pitcher or jar. Add sliced lemons for garnish. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice.
Need a protein-packed companion? Try this with our Chickpea Avocado Toast for a light and energizing snack.
Ginger‑Thyme Sparkling Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 5 lemons)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¼ cup agave syrup or coconut sugar
- 2 cups sparkling water or soda water
- Lemon slices and thyme sprigs for garnish
- Ice for serving
How to Prepare
1. Infuse Ginger and Thyme
Simmer the ginger slices and thyme sprigs in water for 15–20 minutes.
2. Strain and Mix
Remove from heat, let cool, and strain. Mix in lemon juice and sweetener.
3. Chill
Refrigerate for at least an hour to deepen flavor.
4. Add Sparkling Water
Right before serving, stir in chilled sparkling water. Garnish with lemon rounds and thyme.
Love herbal drinks? Don’t miss our guide to How to Brew Lemon Balm Iced Tea.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Always serve chilled over plenty of ice.
- Store in airtight pitchers or glass bottles.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Shake or stir before serving to mix settled sweetener.
Health Benefits of Ginger and Lemon
Lemon Benefits
- Rich source of vitamin C
- Supports hydration and electrolyte balance
- May aid digestion and reduce bloating
Ginger Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Natural nausea relief
- Promotes circulation and supports immune defense
According to Harvard Health, ginger may reduce inflammation and improve immune function.
Variations and Add‑Ons
- Berry Lemonade: Muddle strawberries or raspberries before mixing.
- Cucumber Mint Ginger Lemonade: Add cucumber slices and mint leaves.
- Spicy Kick: Drop in a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Fermented Option: Add ¼ cup ginger bug or plain kombucha for fizz.
- Lavender Sparkle: Swap thyme for lavender blossoms in the sparkling version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bottled lemon juice—fresh juice is essential for flavor and nutrition.
- Boiling lemon juice with ginger—always add lemon juice after cooling to prevent bitterness.
- Over-sweetening—balance is key.
- Forgetting to chill the mixture before serving.
- Not straining properly, leaving gritty texture.
FAQs About Ginger Lemonades
How to make fermented ginger lemonade?
Create your standard ginger lemonade base. Once cooled, add ¼ cup of a ginger bug or plain kombucha. Transfer to fermentation-safe bottles and allow to ferment at room temperature for 24–48 hours, then refrigerate.
How many lemons for a batch of lemonade?
For an 8-cup batch, you’ll typically need 6 to 8 medium lemons to yield about 1 ½ cups of juice.
How to make a batch of ginger tea?
Simmer sliced fresh ginger in water for 20 minutes. Strain and serve hot, or cool and refrigerate. This tea can be sweetened and used as a base for lemonade or herbal tonics.
What is ginger lemonade good for?
Ginger lemonade is great for digestion, immunity, and hydration. The combination of ginger and lemon offers anti-inflammatory effects, supports gut health, and naturally refreshes on hot days.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for the ideal summer drink, this Batch Ginger Lemonade & Ginger‑Thyme Sparkling Lemonade is it. It’s easy to prepare, tastes incredible, and nourishes your body. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue or relaxing indoors, this lemonade offers a burst of citrusy refreshment that’s hard to beat.
Need more crowd-pleasing drinks? Check out our Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte and Blueberry Basil Infused Water for more summer beverage ideas.