There are some things that are so delicious, it baffles me to discover how simple they are to make. This is limeade with ginger is one of those recipes. It’s a bit like a ginger lime tonic, a little tangy, a little sweet. And it’s SO refreshing.
When the heat of summer becomes relentless, nothing beats the refreshing taste of a cool, tangy limeade. But why settle for the ordinary when you can elevate your limeade with the zing of ginger? This unique combination not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a punch of health benefits. In this post, we’ll explore the simple yet delightful recipe for limeade with ginger, its fascinating origins, and the many ways it can boost your well-being.
If you’re ready to make this limeade recipe, simply hit the “jump to recipe” button. Otherwise, scroll though to learn a bit more about it’s origin and some of it’s health benefits.
What Is This Refreshing Lime Drink?
Limeade with ginger is a combination that might seem contemporary, but its roots trace back to ancient traditions and diverse cultures. While limeade itself is a simple and universal beverage, adding ginger to it is an idea steeped in the history of traditional medicine and culinary practices, particularly in Southeast Asia.
I first tried limeade while visiting Bali. After spending a morning touring the mountainside and rice terraces of Ubud, I thought I was going to melt. I was hot. And sticky. And tired. But having fun just the same! Upon arriving at the Four Seasons Bali at Sayan for lunch, I was handed a cold drink that looked like lemonade, but one sip had me feeling completely restored. It was cold, yet packed a spicy heat; zesty, yet sweet. It was their signature Balinese limeade, or gingerade, and I had not one, but three of these ginger lime tonics within the span of a half hour. Yes, I liked it that much.
Bali and the Influence of Southeast Asia
Balinese cuisine is known for fresh ingredients, lots of fragrant roots and spices, and a focus on wellness (Really, the whole island feels like a yoga studio.) This ginger limeade recipe will revitalize you on a hot summer day or cure a winter cold.
The addition of ginger to beverages is a tradition that can be traced back to regions like Bali, Indonesia, where herbal drinks, known as “jamu,” have been consumed for centuries. Jamu is a traditional drink made from various spices, herbs, flowers, roots, and fruits, often including ginger. While not exactly a limeade, the idea of combining citrus fruits with ginger in a refreshing drink could have been inspired by these ancient practices.
Bali’s connection to limeade with ginger isn’t just in the ingredients but also in the philosophy behind food and drink. In Balinese culture, there’s a strong emphasis on balance—between hot and cold, sweet and sour, and even the spiritual balance of body and mind. A drink like limeade with ginger fits perfectly into this tradition, offering a balance of flavors and health benefits that align with these ancient principles.
Limeade Recipe + Step-By-Step Photos
I have a few step-by-step photos to go with the recipe below. It’s fairly easy. We make a pitcher of this ginger limeade every Sunday to keep on hand throughout the week.
Peel and slice the ginger …
Pulverize the ginger using a food processor, then pour 4 cups of hot water to make a tea. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
Juice the limes …
Add lime juice to a pitcher. Then add the honey to the lime and ginger mixture. Stir well.
Strain the ginger tea into the same pitcher as the lime juice. Then add 4 more cups of water and serve on ice.
Versatility Of Limeade
Limeade with ginger isn’t just a summer refreshment—it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed in various forms:
- Hot Ginger-Lime Tea: In the cooler months, turn this recipe into a warming tea by serving it hot, perhaps with a bit of extra honey for sweetness.
- Limeade Ginger Spritzer: Add a splash of sparkling water to your limeade for a fizzy twist. (We actually do this a lot with Perrier or San Pellegrino)
- Ginger-Lime Popsicles: Pour the limeade into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
- Cocktail Base: Use limeade with ginger as a base for cocktails—just add a splash of your favorite spirit and garnish with mint or lime slices.
Limeade
A limeade with ginger is sure to refresh you in summer heat or ward off a winter cold. Discovered at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.
Ingredients
- 5-6 Fresh Limes
- 1/2 Cup Honey
- 1/2 lb Ginger Root (About the size of your hand)
- 8 Cups Water
Instructions
- Carefully peel the ginger root using a carrot peeler or sharp knife and then cut the root into smaller pieces. Don't worry about removing all the skin since you'll pass the juice through a strainer.
- Add the ginger pieces to a food processor and pulverize to a chunky pulp. Add the ginger to a tea pot.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then pour the water over the ginger in the tea pot as if you were making tea. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
- While the ginger is steeping, roll the limes between your palms and the counter top to loosen up the juices. Then cut them in half and juice the limes using a citrus reamer or juicer and pour the lime juice into a pitcher.
- After the ginger is finished steeping, pour the ginger tea through a mesh strainer into to pitcher with the lime juice. Next ddd the honey and stir until dissolved.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of water, or for a natural ginger ale, add 4 cups of seltzer water instead.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 102Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information provided is only an estimate.
Health Benefits of Limeade with Ginger
Beyond its refreshing taste, limeade with ginger is a powerhouse of health benefits. Here’s why you should make it a regular part of your summer (or any season) routine:
Rich in Vitamin C:
Limes are a great source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports your immune system, helps your body absorb iron, and promotes healthy skin.
Digestive Aid:
Ginger has long been used as a remedy for digestive issues. It can help alleviate nausea, reduce bloating, and stimulate the production of digestive juices.
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Both lime and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that can help reduce inflammation, while lime’s vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Boosts Immunity:
Combining the immune-boosting powers of lime with ginger’s natural ability to fight off infections makes this drink a great choice during cold and flu season.
Supports Hydration:
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in hot weather. The addition of lime and ginger makes drinking water more enjoyable, encouraging you to stay hydrated.
Aids Weight Loss:
The combination of lime and ginger can help in weight management. Ginger boosts metabolism and helps you feel fuller longer, while lime aids digestion and detoxification.
Promotes Healthy Skin:
The vitamin C in limes helps fight free radicals that cause skin aging. Additionally, ginger improves circulation, which can give your skin a healthy glow.
Originally posted 2013. Updated 2024.
Wow that looks really delicious! I have to try it out…thanks for the share!
Thanks! It’s so easy to make. Let me know how you like it. 🙂
Oh that looks so good, the only thing that would make it better, would be to be drinking it in Bali.
Safe travels,
Greg
LOL! Most definitely! Cheers Greg.
Seriously my mouth is watering just reading this. yum.
Thanks Cat! Give it a try. 🙂
Ginger is a good remedy for an upset stomach too. This drink would be good for the dreaded Bali Belly.
Ginger is great for that! Thankfully, I didn’t get Bali belly while I was there. But Costa Rica … that’s a different story. 😉 I usually keep some ginger chews and Imodium in my bag just in case.
That would be good with whiskey.
Oooh! That’s a twist. I’m a G&T fan, so I might have to swirl it with some gin.
Love your site Lauren … we should get together sometime 🙂
OMG! This is THE drink from my trip to Bali – we didn’t stay at the Four Season’s (out of our budget) but we stopped for a drink and I loved this. It is amazing – and I’m just so tickled to have the recipe for this. Thank you!
Don’t you love it! I drank as many of those as I could while in Bali. Now I make it every week here at home. The ingredients are simple, just take a little love and effort with the fresh ginger. Worth it every time!
Save a bucket of time and peel your ginger with a spoon!
Great tip!
Ahhh we love gingerade.
Cool refreshment with a kick!
I just made this but I didn’t peal the ginger and I boiled it in the thermomix for 5 minutes. I can hardly taste ginger- just an awful burning taste. What bit did I do wrong?!
Hmm. Perhaps try again with pealing the ginger (the bark might transfer a bitter flavor). Also, I typically steep mine for 10 minutes.
How much honey did you use? Typically the honey cuts the fieriness of the ginger.
Just out of curiosity and with the hope of mastering the recipe…what does it taste like before adding lime and honey? Terrible?
Before the honey or lime, it’s got a really sharp and spicy ginger flavor. You might be able to do without the lime, but it needs a little sweetener to make it palatable. Unless you like fiery hot drinks. 😉
I tried this gingerade recipe and though I don’t have ice to make it more refreshing, it is delicious! It’s spicy and sweet, a wonderful combination. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I tried gingerade today for the first time, and I loved it. Thank you for sharing an easy way to make it. Can’t wait to make it!!
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorite summertime drinks. It’s pretty good served hot too, but that ginger can sometimes make it feel like you’re breathing fire when the beverage is warm. Ha! Thanks for chiming in. 🙂
I made this a few times since seeing your post. LOVED it and I made it for a party as well and it was a hit. One question, how do you dilute the bitterness? I added more honey. Is the bitterness from the limes. Either way, I love it and it is now a staple in our home.
It might be the limes. Too much ginger would give you heat, but the limes are can be what is making it tart.
Made this a couple of days ago for my wife and I. We loved it. Even my 4 year old son liked it! Will be making this daily threw out the summer! Thanks for sharing! You will feel healthier after the first sip!!!!
Jeremiah,
So happy you and your family enjoyed it! It’s one of our favorites. It’s even delicious served warm in the wintertime. Thank you for coming back and commenting to let us know your thoughts! Have a great weekend. 🙂 -Rachelle
Just made this to restore my husband and I after a rare night out (at the wineries!)! Definitely doing the trick. The only thing that’s quenched my thirst all day. 🙂
Thank you!
How long does this beverage keep?
We usually drink it within a week. 🙂
This has become a staple in our home. We make it 1-2 times a month and keep it in the fridge. Enough that I’ve found some short cuts. First, you don’t need to peel the ginger much at all. I just rough chop it before I purée and boil. Gomes our the same. Second, a premium bottle of lime juice saves a lot of time and energy. And third, you can substitute lime juice for lime aid. It’s a bit smoother and negates the need for much, if any, extra sugar depending on your tastes.
Ooh! I love a good shortcut.
your article is very good. I can’t wait to try it with my family. Thank you for sharing ideas with me. I’m waiting for your next article.