With the cold weather, many of us tend to avoid the winter elements altogether. Why not stay inside with a delicious, hot drink for comfort and for preventative measures? Here is a recipe that includes an immune boosting syrup that can be added to several different healthful and decadent drinks.
Ginger Syrup
• 2/3 cup of chopped fresh ginger, unpeeled
• 2 cups water
• ½-¾ cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
Chop the fresh ginger into rounds and then roughly chop into smaller pieces
Place all the ingredients into a saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 45 minutes.
Strain the ingredients through a sieve and place in a jar.
Keep stored in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
Start with adding about ¼ c of ginger syrup to your tea or hot chocolate and add more if you prefer a stronger ginger flavor.
One of my favorite teas is Chai Rooibos by the Yogi tea company. Chai Rooibos already includes several warming spices such as cinnamon and ginger. For an even more enhanced ginger flavor, add about ¼ cup of ginger syrup to this tea.
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”
Edith Sitwell, British poet and critic
Another incredible immune boosting drink is adding this ginger syrup with green tea. I really enjoy this flavor combination and there are several green teas that are available. One of my favorite green teas is called Green Goddess from the Louisville Tea Company. This includes green tea with pomegranate pieces — adding about 2 Tbsps of ginger syrup to this tea adds a subtle hint of ginger. Add more ginger syrup based on your taste.
One of my favorite ginger combinations is with chocolate. What better than to enjoy these two flavors — in one hot drink! Choose your favorite hot chocolate mix and blend with milk and about ⅓ cup of ginger syrup. Heat until warm and add your favorite toppings.
Story and Photos by Melissa Donald
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