Do you have morning rituals?
Our day typically starts by heading straight to the kitchen for some ginger lemon water.
Let us show you how easy it is to incorporate this nourishing, 3-ingredient beverage into your day (perfect morning, day, and night!).
It starts with fresh sliced ginger, lemons, and ground turmeric.
We like to throw the ginger slices into our mugs, top with lemon juice (and the juiced lemon), and a dash of ground turmeric.
You can also add fresh black pepper or cayenne pepper for heat. Black pepper also increases the bioavailability of the turmeric.
Simply add boiling hot water, wait a few minutes for the mixture to steep, and enjoy.
We hope you love this simple lemon water. It’s:
Nourishing
Simple & quick
Gingery
Citrusy
& Comforting
This is the perfect way to start your day, and is especially comforting in the colder months. We make this all day when we’re feeling sick. And even occasionally enjoy a mug in the evenings to wind down before bed.
Want more nourishing beverages? Try our Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tonic, Lemon Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shots, Easy Vegan Golden Milk, Feel Good Hot Chocolate, and Mushroom Latte (2 Ways).
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
3-Ingredient Ginger Lemon Water
Ingredients
- 1 large lemon (rinsed)
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger (rinsed, peeling optional)
- 1 dash ground turmeric
- 1 pinch fresh black pepper (optional)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Bring a kettle of water to a boil (you’ll need about 2 cups total (480 ml)).
- Slice lemon in half and juice each half into a serving mug (each mug gets half of the lemon). Be sure to place the juiced lemon halves in the mugs as well to infuse more flavor (see photo).
- Add sliced ginger and a dash of ground turmeric. Black pepper and cayenne are optional but bring more balance and heat. Black pepper also increases the bioavailability of turmeric.
- Top with boiling water and wait a few minutes for the flavors to infuse. Enjoy. Best when fresh. Can be enjoyed up to 24 hours later if stored in the refrigerator and reheated. Not freezer friendly.
Tracy E Mindiola says
What if I desire to have it cold? Would I do the boiling water and than just ice it or is the boiling water not necessary? Thank u
Hi Tracy, you could use cold water, but hot water helps bring out the flavor of the ginger. The flavor will be more subtle if using cold water.
Lonie Bloom says
Can I drink this at night instead of the morning?
Definitely!
Donna Whiteside says
Will this keep is the frig if made in a larger quantity and reheated?
Yes!
Patricia Brooks says
I have been drinking the lemon and ginger for the last two weeks and I can honestly say it makes me feel so cleansed and energised , it has given me a whole new look at my diet it has also stopped my sugar cravings and indulging in chocolate.
Amazing! We’re so glad it’s been helpful, Patricia. Thank you for sharing! xo
Sandra miles says
Ginger and turmeric have undoubted health benefits. But to be clear there is no such thing as ‘cleansing detox’ values. Your liver ‘cleans’ your system and pooping ‘detoxifies’ foods and supplements do not. Enjoy this recipe for its taste.
Worman Susan says
Made it this morning – absolutely fab – added circuma and chilli and just a tiny bit of honey
Lovely! Thanks so much for sharing!
Rebecca says
Can I add cinnamon instead of turmeric. I take a turmeric supplement every morning.
Sure!
Namyalo Mary Anthony says
thank so much the information is rich.
Keep it up
Jose says
The lemon, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric combination is real good immune system strengthener. It also helps with regulating sugar levels for those who have diabetes. A daily consumption is very beneficial. I put a couple of dandelions heads also. For those who didn’t know, dandelions are good for the heart. Many dandelion recipes out there like salads, etc…
Thank you for sharing, Jose!
Chrystelle says
I don’t have a comment just a question… will or can I loose weight while drinking this tea?
Hi Chrystelle, that’s a difficult question to answer as it depends on so many factors. The ingredients in this drink can support overall health.
Trish Ennis says
This is delicious. I am curious about the 24 hour limit to keep it in the fridge. Why only 24 hours if a larger batch is made? Thanks!
Hi Trish, it will keep longer, but may lose some of its health benefits with time.
Kelly says
Can you use whole turmeric same way you add the ginger?
Yes!
Carolyn Goodrich says
A delightful drink. I am not a tea drinker and didn’t think I would like this drink. It really is quite good, especially on a chilly morning by the fireplace.
Love to hear it. Thanks so much, Carolyn!
Lee Quinn says
I’ve been doing something similar for years. I buy fresh turmeric from Whole Foods. Be careful, fresh turmeric stains! I keep the mix longer by making ice cubes with it.
Love it! Thanks so much for sharing, Lee!
Kat says
Tip for freezing.
Make a large pot of this on stove, bring to a low boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Depending on how strong or weak you like it, you can simmer for 5 minutes or an hour. Take off heat, allow to cool.
Strain out lemons, ginger, etc.
Carefully pour or use a small gravy ladle, into ice cube trays. Freeze for several hours. Place in bag or box, keep in freezer. Add to hot water, tea or juice whenever you want. :)
1-4 cubes per serving.
I like to add a cinnamon stick and some cloves while simmering. Sometimes some whole allspice if I have it.
Is very lovely with a little pineapple juiceand honey!
Also good with apple juice, cranberry juice, etc!
Tips for keeping lemon from damaging your teeth.
Firstly, rinse with water afterwards!
Wait one hour before brushing your teeth after drinking any kind of juice or acidic foods.
Or brush first! This gives you some protection for a while afterwards, but remember to still rinse after drinking it. Enjoy!
Thanks for the tips, Kat!
Jan Brady says
Or allow it to cool and use a straw.
Chris Calkins says
I make this but use an organic liquid ginger from Amazon and same for tumeric as well. I make this cold though and put it and the lemon plus a wee bit liquid stevia into a thermos and drink it throughout the day. Is there a reason why I see this recipe here and in other places as a hot beverage???
It’s delicious both ways!
LMD says
Hello, Excited to try this recipe! Can you please share the tea pot you use?
Hi there! The teapot is this one!
Jessica says
Lemon-ginger tea is a common drink in India, sometimes with the addition of tumeric or cayenne. When I was visiting India, I drank it after dinner, and I drink it at home as a bedtime treat.
So lovely for bedtime! Thank you for sharing, Jessica!
Marielle says
I’m sipping this as I type this, it’s really lovely, sweet and spicy. I’m just getting over a headcold and hoping to give this the final kick out.
Aldi sells pre-chopped fresh ginger, you can keep this in the freezer and is really handy so I just threw a handful in my cup.
We’re so glad you’re enjoying it, Marielle! Hope you feel better soon! xo
Alisa McGann says
This recipe is excellent. It exceeded my expectations beyond a top notch ginger lemon tea. I was absolutely delighted and had mine spicy with cayenne and turmeric. So flavorful and exhilarating! The Minimalist Baker wins another one for the books-(recipe book, that is). Thanks for being a constant “go-to” innovator of simplicity without sacrificing flavor or great ingredients.
Aw, thank you so much for your kind words and lovely review, Alisa! We are so glad you enjoy our recipes! xoxo
Hilda ficek says
Awesome my kidneys are so much better now. Thanks a million
We’re so glad it’s been helpful! Thanks for sharing, Hilda!
Phyllis Brendemuehl says
Can you use powdered form ginger and lemon juice
Hi Phyllis, we’d recommend fresh for best flavor/health benefits.
Marion mcfadyen says
I made this boiling the lemon and ginger left it in fridge overnight. Lovely first thing. Will the benefits be the same cold
We’re glad you enjoy it, Marion! Yes, it should have similar benefits.
Renate Pogue says
What was happening with your kidneys prior to drinking this?
Thanks for sharing!
Don says
Hi, managed to get my two kids to take a small cup, along with the both of us, yesterday!
Have made it again today. Hope to get a daily dose inside them especially over our cold Scottish winter.
Many thanks.👍
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Don!
Julia says
Loved this! Made it with 1/2 tsp of ground ginger since they used ground ginger on the instagram. So refreshing and warming!
Great!
Kelsey says
I made this for my husband and myself and we both loved it. Super good! Light, citrusy, sweet, spicy, pretty 😂
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Kelsey. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Sarah says
Made this for the first time tonight. It’s a perfect addition to a chilly, Minnesota night. Really hits the spot. Thank you! :)
So fitting! Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
Quillin Musgrave says
I made this for the first time yesterday afternoon and was so grateful for the spicy boost. I’ll be making this again. So happy to have found it as fall begins but I imagine it will become a favorite throughout the year!
We’re so glad you enjoy it! Thanks for the lovely review, Quillin! xo
Bobi says
I made this for the 1st time. I let it steep while I went for my morning walk and sipped while I was cooling down. Very tasty and refreshing! Thank you!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Bobi! Sounds like a lovely routine =)
Poonam manaktola says
Adding pepper had done wonders
It’s wonderful
Viivek says
Don’t we need to squeeze out the ginger juice as well ?
How does just dropping in ginger pieces work ?
The ginger infuses into the water. But for more ginger flavor, you could mince or grate it and strain. Hope that helps!
Gabbie says
How much ginger should I use
A 2-inch piece is what we recommend in the recipe.
MANGIPUDI KAMESHWAR SHARMA says
Can we boil water along with Grated ginger? Will the effect be same or we need to add boiling water to grated ginger and wait for infusion.
Hi Mangipudi, you can do it that way!
kartik fatehpuria says
I loved it. I am sipping it as I am writing this and I cant explain how refreshing it is to have it. Thank you for sharing this.
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Kartik! Thanks for sharing!
Berlinda says
I have been sneezing and bringing out phlegms every morning. It stops in the afternoon for yrs. Have taking antibiotics n antihistamines but still. Can you help me. I don’t have any chest pain nor headache. Please help me cause am suffering. Thanks
I’m so sorry, Berlinda. I’m certainly not qualified to help!
VERONICA says
I was going through Google trying to find some recipe similar to this I’m glad I stumbled upon this one this is the first time I’ve tried lemon and water heated and then with the extra ingredients the turmeric and ginger really picked it up a few notches thanks for sharing I would definitely be making this a morning ritual.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Veronica! Thanks for sharing!
Caroline says
Can I use ground ginger powder instead of fresh?
Hi Caroline, it won’t be quite the same, but it might work.
Di says
I freeze a whole lemon and root ginger and finely grate into a 1 cup cafetier, add 1 crushed clove and grated black pepper, plus boiling water.
Fatimah Rose says
It works. 🧡
Karly says
It says a “dash” and a “pinch” but I don’t know how much these mean? In the video it looks like you use an exact measuring spoon. Can you clarify? Thank you!
Hi Karly, a dash is about 1/8 tsp and a pinch is about 1/16 tsp. You can adjust to personal preference though. Hope that helps!
Veronica says
What is the best time to have this ginger lemon tea?
Can i boil water and ginger and then add lemon slices.?
We prefer it first thing in the morning, but any time would work!
Arin says
Can I use lemon from the container for cooking and can I use black pepper like the salt and pepper container
Hi Arin, we recommend using fresh lemon and freshly ground black pepper. But you could try those- they won’t have quite the same potency though.
Samantha says
Tried it this morning and loved it! Are you supposed to eat the raw ginger after or just let it infuse and throw it out when finished with the drink? Thanks so much!
You can eat it if you want, but it’s pretty intense, so we prefer to compost it.
scott says
Can I make a larger batch to drink say throughout the work week?
Sure!
Bonny says
Is this for weight loss drink as well?
Shelby says
Hello! I love this recipe, but I’m always worried about what effect drinking lemon water will have on my teeth. Do you drink or eat anything specific after so that the acidic lemon doesn’t linger, or am I worried for nothing? Thanks!
Hi Shelby, we don’t. But perhaps you could drink through a metal straw if concerned?
Isabela says
Hi Shelby, I have been drinking warm lemon water every morning for over 3 years, albeit not this recipe and can confirm that it has had a negative effect on my teeth. I believe it has weakened them unfortunately. I don’t use a straw though, that may help.
mb says
For the person who mentioned lemon affecting their teeth, my dentist reminded me to rinse my mouth out after eating or drinking any acidic food in order to not wear down the enamel (which I’ve sort of done over the years, being older and all). Or one can eat a non-acidic food (like a bite of cheese, cracker or neutral food) after eating /drinking citrus or eating salad with vinegar salad dressing, etc.
franco says
Can i add honey in this.? i am low on immunity and looking to add this as my morning drink or night.
if you have any other recipie like this including garlic,probiotics.. please do add links.
thanks
Sure! Here are some others you might enjoy: https://minimalistbaker.com/lemon-ginger-turmeric-wellness-shots/, https://minimalistbaker.com/healing-3-ingredient-turmeric-tonic/
Sheila says
Can you drink this cold?
Yep!
April Ford says
This will be my first time doing this. Do I boil the ginger and lemon together. I wanted to make a big pitcher of it and place in refrigerator afterwards. So if I place in refrigerator do I just re heat it and how many times of the day do I drink this.
You can boil the lemon and ginger together and store in the fridge up to 48 hours (sometimes longer). You can reheat it on the stovetop or microwave. Enjoy as many times as you’d like.
Sallee Dancer says
Tried this for the first time this morning and LOVE it! It will definitely be my new morning drink to bring to work with me. Thanks for always bringing us new things to try:)
So glad you enjoyed it! It’s our fave morning drink too :)
Lourdes Lilly says
This is soooo yummy and good for joints and for people with arthritis like me, thanks!
Yay! Thanks so much!
Audra says
Tried this this morning! Thank you for all your great recipes! Loved the ease of the recipe, the simple ingredients and of course the health benefits of each ingredient! I left the cayenne out this time but will try that next time! I like spice. Was looking for variety when I stumbled upon your recipe on Instagram. Make healthy juice drinks daily for my husband who has CLL. The ingredients are all cancer fighters! Try it!
Thanks so much for your sweet note and lovely review! Wishing all the best for you and your husband! xo
Ziyanda says
Thankyou so much i enjoy this with my family i even lost some kgs ……thankyou
Amy says
My first time trying something like this. The lemon water taste was to be expected but the kick with the ginger, turmeric, pepper, and cayenne were not! Wowza did that wake me up! I will try this again, varying the amount of spices and maybe even eliminating the black pepper. Overall, a definite addition to my AM and PM rituals.
Side note, I drink hot tea at bedtime (ritual from my English Grandma) and look forward to this mixture plus a tea bag.
Wanda Jackson says
I already drink lemon water, the turmeric & ginger gives it an extra kick.