Honey Ginger Lemonade | A Virtual Picnic for the Planet
A few weekends ago, spring was temporarily shoved aside by summer who decided he’d had enough of waiting his turn. It was warm — no, hot — and I opened up all the windows on the off chance a cool breeze might find its way inside. It felt good to be hot for the first time in months, and it made me a little lazy, so I decided to sit outside and enjoy it for a while.
It was one of those days when you want to kick off your shoes and walk barefoot on the grass. The kind you spend lounging around for hours eating, drinking and forgetting your worries. It was the kind of day you want to spend en plein air (outdoors); this was perfect picnic weather.
There is something incredibly indulgent about a picnic. Even if you only pack a few simple things at the last minute and head over to the neighborhood park, it’s a special occasion. It may be nothing fancier than a few sandwiches and a couple cool drinks, but the act of eating a meal outdoors holds with it the promise of a carefree day.
Maybe it’s because we don’t often take the time to sit outside, relax and enjoy the sunshine. Picnicking is an unhurried pleasure, and lazily passing the day observing the world around us is a luxury we don’t treat ourselves to nearly enough.
A cool glass of honey ginger lemonade seems just right on one of those lovely, long, lazy days outside. It starts with simple syrup made from equal parts water and honey, heated briefly to dissolve. Into that goes the “zing,” a few ounces of grated ginger, and it’s left to infuse. Once the syrup is made, the lemonade is almost ready to pour. The syrup is strained, cooled and mixed with fresh lemon juice, cold water, and ice cubes. Add a little vodka for extra kick, and this sweet and spicy lemonade transforms into a light cocktail.
What are your favorite things to bring on a picnic?
recipe: honey ginger lemonade
ingredients
For the honey ginger syrup:
- 1 cup (250ml) honey (I use wildflower honey)
- 1 cup (250ml) water (filtered or spring)
- 4oz (115g) fresh ginger root, peeled and finely grated (I use a microplane zester)
For the lemonade:
- 1 cup (250ml) fresh squeezed lemon juice, strained (about 5 large lemons)
- 3 cups (750ml) cold filtered or spring water (flat or sparkling)
- 1/2 cup (125ml) vodka (optional)
- Ice for serving
- Sliced lemons and mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
instructions
To make the honey ginger syrup:
- Place the honey and water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer until honey is completely dissolved.
- Turn off heat and add the freshly grated ginger and any juices. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain syrup thorough a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on the ginger pulp and then discarding the solids.
- Pour into a bottle or jar, let cool completely and then chill until cold, about 1 hour. The syrup will keep in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To make the lemonade:
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the honey ginger syrup to a large pitcher.
- Add 3 cups of cold water (more or less depending on how strong you like your lemonade). If you are using sparkling water don’t add it until you are ready to serve so that it doesn’t lose its fizz. Add the vodka now as well if using. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Pour lemonade over ice filled glasses, top with a slice of lemon, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
variations
You can also steep the syrup with mint or basil in the hot syrup for a different variation.
The honey ginger syrup is also great for sweetening iced tea and other beverages.
Number of servings (yield): 4 to 6
Meal type: drink/cocktail
© copyright 2010-2011 gourmande in the kitchen.
In celebration of Earth Day today please join me and a group of friends and fellow bloggers on a Virtual Picnic for the Planet. We are sharing some of our favorite warm weather picnic recipes as part of The Nature Concervancy’s Picnic for the Planet, a celebration of the Earth, the food it provides and the importance of making meaningful choices that are healthly for us and good for the planet. For more information about Picnic for the Planet please visit http://earthday.nature.org/picnic.
Be sure to check out the entire Virtual Picnic Menu below:
Simple Bites | Pressed Sandwiches
My Baking Addiction | Mixed Berry Cheesecakes in a Jar
Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad
Dine & Dish | Sangria
Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad
Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe Roundup
Three Many Cooks | Black and White Caviar
Food for My Family | Homemade Potato Chips and Avocado Ranch Dip
Sugarcrafter | Apple Hand Pies
Tickled Red | Tangy Potato Salad
What’s Cooking with Kids | Kale Chips
Confessions of a Cookbook Queen | Mini Lemonade Cakes
TidyMom | Picnic Pies in a Jar
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90 Responses to “Honey Ginger Lemonade | A Virtual Picnic for the Planet”
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[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
I’m not sure what is more stunning Sylvie, your recipes or photos! WOW!! Thanks for sharing!!
I’m with Cheryl, love your photos!! The recipe I am stealing for my lazy lemonade sipping hammock days
Can’t wait to laze around together one day.
Oh that sounds nice, I’d love to have a laze around day too, at the beach of course
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
Love this combo! Can be served hot/warm during winter and cold in Summer!
Yes, absolutely!
Stunning as always Sylvie… it looks delish as well!
Sylvie – I can’t wait to try this lemonade. I’m drooling just looking at the photos!!!
Just beautiful! That is one gorgeous glass of springtime you’ve put together. Your snaps aren’t too shabby either.
[...] Gourmande in the Kitchen – Honey Ginger Lemonade [...]
I love the idea of ginger in lemonade — what a great idea. Beautiful styling as usual. You’ve got me eager for summer!
This is a really lovely post. Your photos are breathtaking and your recipe sounds delicious. I’m relatively new to your blog and don’t often comment. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy my visits here. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Thank you Mary, I appreciate the visit and thank you for taking the time to comment it always makes me smile.
Sylvie, my husband is so excited about this drink, he already printed the recipe, and is going out in just a minute to grab some fresh ginger and lemons.
Awesome! I hope you guys enjoy, let me know what you think.
Your recipe! Your photos! I can’t stop reading this post!!! Do you know my love of ginger?! It’s deep! lol ♥- Katrina
Same here Katrina, I ♥ ginger!
Oh how I would have loved to have been a part of your picnic! It all looks delish, especially your lemonade. I love the flavor combo.
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
My favorite things to take to a picnic are probably muffins I’d say! Easy to transport, easy to eat and yummy. I have had a similar drink at the spa- cold when I entered and a hot version on the way out!
Yes! I make a hot version of this often too.
That looks beautiful and refreshing
Hmm…my favorite thing to bring on a picnic would be iced tea
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
That’s got to be the MOST stunning glass of lemonade that I’ve ever laid my eyes upon. I’m puckering as I type…yum.
What a gorgeous drink! It looks so refreshing. Yummm.
Sylvie, you always manage to make my jaw drop. What gorgeous lemonade, and I love the ginger (and suggestion of vodka!) – absolutely the perfect drink for enjoying this sunny (but sometimes crisp) spring weather.
Oh, Sylvie, I so look forward to your posts – the writing is so inviting, the photos stunning and the food leaves me craving more.
The pics are so beautiful! Love the styling as well.
Stunning! Seriously your photos are incredibly gorgeous! And this lemonade is perfection in a glass.
Loving seeing what you have all put together for this virtual picnic. Such a great idea! Your honey ginger lemonade looks wonderful
Oh my goodness – the styling on these photos is amazing, Sylvie! So glad to be in the picnic with you
Same here Kristen. Let’s swap drinks, I’ll trade you a glass of my lemonade for a glass of your Sangria
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
We have had perfect picnic weather in my world too and this lemonade would be the perfect addition to it
We had perfect picnic weather for a two weeks here in Texas before there was a random hail storm followed by hot humid muggy weather. -_-
I’ll be enjoying this wonderful lemonade right when I return because I freaking LOVE ginger. I know this is redudant but seriously, your photography is AHMAZING. I am in love with the first shot.
have a great weekend Sylvie!
Thanks Joy. I love ginger too, I make an infusion with it almost every night!
I typed this huge comment saying how much I loved the drink and the ginger flavor is my all time fav and then the window clossed… gggrrr !! technology !!
Me now going over to see the other links you shared
Oh no! I’m sorry that happened, thanks for taking the time to write another one.
Sylvie – brilliant photographs! Really lovely. And the recipe is one I will be making this summer…over and over and over.
This sounds so incredible good. My mouth is watering
So I first drooled over the top photo, and then as I continued down, I drooled some more…and now…well now I just want a hot day so I can be lazy and also enjoy a delicious sip of your honey ginger lemonade!
Oh I love picnics and probably my favorite thing to take is homemade chocolate bars. My friend’s kids love it. I love it. And kids give me a love hug for each bar I give
Beautiful pictures Sylvie! And you know my love for ginger right?
i lovely the photos in this post. Full of sunshine color
My idea of a perfect picnic: savoury pie, simple salad, and mini muffins.
Lovely! Looks good in the black background! And of course this looks like a refreshing drink!
Beautiful post, Sylvie. I think I’m going to make a point of taking more time out for picnics this summer.You are right – it is an pleasure that helps us slow down our busy days.
Happy Earth Day!
I love, love, love honey! This is a great twist on an old favorite. I’ll wait until it gets a wee bit warmer, then give it a try.
Sylvie, There’s a little shack in Kauai were we always order the ginger lemonade (when we happen to be in Kauai, that is.) It is SO potent, but so refreshing. I don’t know why it has never occurred to me to make it myself. Thanks dear!
Ohhh ginger, how I love thee. Sounds so refreshing! Sylvie, the photos and the styling: no words. (Other than stunning, as always!) Also love that this could be served hot or cold. The basil variation sounds esp nice for summer!
This lemonade looks so beautiful.I really love the first picture and the way u ve placed fresh ginger shoot.We used to have frequent picnics back in India with family.Not so much here.Here picnics have been replaced by long drives
My fav thing to take along is butter popcorn.Love them.
This is gorgeous and sounds so refreshing! I want to dive right into the glass. Gorgeous.
Sylvie,
I’m so happy to see your honey ginger syrup. It captures the qualities of the store-bought jar I bought (since its key component is honey) but I’M CERTAIN that this is 100% better. As soon as I run out of mine, I’ll be making yours. Thank you for sharing with us.
be still my heart, this is divinity in a cup. This spiked with vodka on a picnic with friends is what i call summer!
Ahhh! I can just taste this now. Love the photos too!
Such beautiful photos! I also made lemonade this week, with mint, even though it’s not hot at all here [sigh]. It tasted great but my photos don’t look anything like yours
. Thanks for the inspiration!
p.s. I’m off to check out that picnic for the planet link
The lemonade looks wonderful. I love picnics and can’t wait until it’s warm enough to get outside.
Your photographs are absolutely crystal clear and beautiful!
I love these virtual get-togethers you keep having. What a fun idea to bring blogger friends together across great distances. This ginger honey lemonade looks great and actually would be pretty good for the cold/cough I have now!
As soon as I saw the title for this, I thought “Throw in some vodka and i’m a happy man!” Then I saw it listed… and I was a very happy man.
A beautiful post, a beautiful cause.
Happy Earth Day (which, really, is every day)
Oo, that sounds SO lovely and refreshing! And that ginger fire is the perfect added touch…delicious.
What a fantastic idea! And the lemonade sounds so refreshing and heavenly!
I am having ‘my picnic’ sitting in front of my pc looking at your beautiful, jaw dropping photos
You’ve evoked summer so well here with your beautiful writing, photos, and recipe. We’re planning a lazy beach picnic next weekend, and this refreshing drink will be on the menu!
Your lemonade looks lovely and no doubt tastes wonderful too with or without vodka! This So. Cal weather we have been having has been so crazy and unpredictable, but I also enjoy a nice glass of lemonade on a warm day. I also found a recipe for strawberry basil lemonade that looks refreshing too. Your virtual picnic sounds like a lot of fun!
I hope this unusual hot spell continues in paris, so I’ll be able to make your lemonade! Thanks!
Yes I love those kinds of days… wish LA would have one. GREG
These look so good, the photos are amazing and it sounds amazing too. I want to go on a picnic now!
beautiful Sylvie – yes, picnics are a true luxury and one we don’t indulge in nearly enough . . . adding vodka for a cocktail is spot on – i’d like to have one of these when it’s about 80 degrees outside!
The lemonade looks great. I actually tasted lemonade when I saw your photos.
I would be the happiest little bumble bee sipping on this lovely lemonade and sliding around on the grass. early summer days are gorgeous.
Wow…. so refreshing and unique! My daughter always wants to have a lemonade stand…. she would make a fortune with this recipe!
This is very cool. I made something similar this week but I think your way is easier. I made candied ginger in syrup with added honey and then put some of that in the lemonade. Either way it’s a wonderful combination. Your photography is fantastic. I’m so envious.
That’s a great idea, that way you get two recipes for the effort of one. I love candied ginger by the way.
Really, Sylvie, your presentations are divine. Not to say the lemonade isn’t, but I really MUST serve it in those glasses with the burlap and raffia!
I can’t wait for picnic weather. When it’s here all I have nice glass of ginger lemonade!
Gorgeous pictures.
I love this twist on the usual lemonade recipes you see. Honey and ginger are so lovely together, and also great for you too. Breathtaking photos as always Sylvie!
I love the combination of fresh flavors in this recipe – not to mention the kick from the vodka.
This is indeed the perfect drink for a sunny day on the porch. Gorgeous photos, Sylvie!
I’m loving this hot weather so much too! Finally. This looks so refreshing!
Hi Sylvie-Such a great idea to have a virtual picnic for Earth Day:)Your lemonade is refreshing and I need to have a glass every day here in Florida:)Your last photo is so cool!!
I used to love picnics. That is, until I moved to Florida and inadvertently placed our picnic blanket on a red ant mound. Perhaps with your lemonade and 15 years of the memory behind me, it is time to try again.
Wow…that sounds great….love that virtual picnic…..love that combo flavors in lemonade…..
I just made a lemonade drink mix that we will be using for a fundraiser tomorrow. I love your take on it.
I could sip on this refreshing thing all day long.., lazying around in my backyard. I love it that you used ginger. and joyful sunshine photographs Sylvie…love the brown paper underneath.
Your blog is beautiful. The photographs on here are breathtaking!
Ah indulgence! We love picnics and always pack the same thing: roasted chicken, cheese, bread, fruit, maybe tiny radishes and always ripe tomatoes. And wine. But this lemonade would be perfect and turn it into a special meal!
Today was the kind of day in San Diego where summer definitely made an appearance – it was HOT and I would have loved a cool glass of this lemonade. I am just loving the way you styled these photos, especially the burlap and the raffia/twine around the glasses, so beautiful and unique!
So lovely and refreshing for warmer weather, and gorgeous photos
Sylvie, I think this looks incredible and refreshing, but I have to say, the photos are possibly my favourite of yours yet, and that says a lot since I adore all of your photos! I particularly love the trio over black–stunning and inspirational. You amaze me!
Lemonade with vodka? You must be kidding, right?
I like this kind of drink, totally.
Well you know a little vodka never hurts right?
Oh, yes!!
I have found the recipe for the piece of left-over ginger in my refrigerator. Thanks for the recipe, it sounds wonderfully refreshing. I am still waiting to feel some real warmth of the sun this year.
~Brenda
[...] Honey Ginger Lemonade (Gourmande in the Kitchen) [...]
This sounds like everything I loved wrapped into one perfect cocktail! I’m hoping its sunny this weekend so I can test some out while lounging at the park
Great photos!
Thank you for this nice idea … Here in Cannes, France, the weather is already very hot and your lemonade will be perfect for my next picnic … on Friday ! I love the idea of a “Picnic for the Earth” … Of course, I missed it in April but I keep this in mind for next year .
Have a nice day
Hélène
[...] inset) Red, White + Booze – Curbly Pomegranate Cranberry Cocktail – The Urban Baker Honey Ginger Lemonade – Gourmande in the Kitchen Frozen Strawberry + Lime Daiquiri – Cooking Canuck [...]
[...] Sandwiches My Baking Addiction | Mixed Berry Cheesecakes in a Jar Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
[...] Honey Ginger Lemonade by Sylvie of Gourmande in the Kitchen [...]
[...] Honey Ginger Lemonade from Gourmande in the Kitchen [...]
I made this to take to a dinner party tonight and it was super delicious, thank you so much! My two year old even preferred it over apple juice! I didn’t have any fresh ginger, so I used a Tbls of powdered. Next time I make this though, I’ll try to have real ginger in hand!
That’s the best compliment, thank you! I’m glad it passed the kid test, now I can say this drink is kid approved!
[...] in a Jar Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade Dine & Dish | Sangria Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe [...]
[...] flavor. The drink gets a spicy kick from a ginger infused simple syrup (the same one I used in my ginger lemonade) while the apple offers an understated sweet-tart note that lingers against the [...]
[...] flavor. The drink gets a spicy kick from a ginger infused simple syrup (the same one I used in my ginger lemonade) while the apple offers an understated sweet-tart note that lingers against the [...]
I have aan lemon agave nectar syrup that I use in a very similar way. However, I have been reading a lot about raw honey lately and think it would be interesting to try it with your recipe. We’ll see how it goes. Beautiful shot BTW.
[...] Honey Ginger Lemonade makes a refreshing drink. [...]