Picture it: Memorial Day, 2022. Your porch is calling. The sun in shining. And you’re enjoying all of it with a lovely fizzy ginger citrus drink.
What are your long weekend plans? Mine will include lots of friend time, hiking, outdoors, sunshine (God-willing), probably some ice cream and definitely some laughs.
Must have: an acceptable way to cool off.
You can make the picture I’ve painted above a reality with this restaurant recreation from AGES ago. Every summer it pops into my consciousness and making it takes me back to a little trip to LA so long ago (2014!), a cute vegan restaurant (which sadly no longer exists. RIP, Flore), a tall, cool, ginger drink and best club sandwich I’ve ever had.
While I would not try my hand to recreate said sandwich because as you can likely tell vegan cuisine isn’t my forte, a fizzy ginger citrus drink? Definitely in my wheelhouse. This drink definitely has the umph to stand on its own, and so here I am to give it a place in my virtual spotlight.
This isn’t a boozy drink, and while there are plenty delicious varieties of those to go around the picnic table, I feel like the dryer members of your party need some love, too.
The ingredients are simple and fresh and while the prep does take a little time, it’s well worth it in the end. Fresh ginger, lemon, lime, agave (or honey) and sparkling water are all you need to quench the hottest of summer appetites.
I’d make a big pitcher of the base to keep in the fridge, and just top it off with sparkling water when you’re ready to serve.
Want to throw in a spirit? Be my guest!
Pro tip: if you have access to an Asian market, buy your ginger there. It’ll be the freshest ginger you’ll ever find and likely the cheapest!
Fizzy Ginger Citrus Drink
This fizzy ginger citrus drink is a fresh, summer take on a mocktail that will certainly help beat the heat, without alcohol, to keep you hydrated.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup fresh ginger, chopped and peeled
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup agave nectar or honey
- 4 cups unflavored seltzer sparkling water
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Ice for serving
Directions
- Step 1 Add the chopped ginger and 1 cup water to a saucepan over low-medium heat. Cover and simmer 45 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep for 20 more. Strain out the ginger.
- Step 2 To the ginger water, add the agave, lemon juice and lime juice. Put in the fridge to chill. When you’re ready to serve, give it a shake and add the sparkling water.
