Ginger Syrup Recipe

Last Updated on May 31, 2025 by becky

An easy ginger syrup recipe made from granulated sugar and slices of fresh ginger root. Use this homemade ginger simple syrup for flavoring hot chocolate, cocktails, and lemonade.

Why Make This Ginger Syrup?

I’m a devoted fan of any and all things ginger. As I wrote about when I published my candied ginger recipe, I  adore fresh ginger, pickled ginger, ginger snap cookies, ginger chocolates, and ginger hard candy. I love making gingerbread houses and simmmer pots. I also love ginger-y beverages. My all-time favorite cocktail is the Moscow Mule (made with ginger beer, vodka, and lime) but I won’t say no to gingerbread hot chocolate, ginger tea, cranberry ginger punch, or a can of classic ginger ale, either.

I also enjoy making my own ginger syrup. While you can buy store-bought versions, they’re pricy and often not readily available locally. And why bother, when, with just three ingredients and an hour or so in the kitchen, you can create a spicy homemade sweetener for sparkling water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and fancy mixed drinks.

As a bonus, the homemade kind keeps well in the fridge for several weeks, so you can have it at the ready whenever a   ginger drink craving hits.

Ginger Syrup Recipe Ingredients

To make ginger syrup, you’ll need two ingredients: granulated sugar and fresh ginger. You’ll also need 240 milliliters (1 cup) of water. To prepare the ginger, use a y-peeler or sharp paring knife to peel away the rough brown skin, then cut into slices, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.

Selecting and Working with Fresh Ginger

This recipe will highlight the flavor of the fresh ginger you’ve chosen, so it’s important to start with a good-quality product.

In most supermarkets, you’ll find fresh ginger root in the produce section. (It’s often located near the garlic bulbs or the fresh herbs.) Look for larger pieces of ginger root, and avoid anything dry or shriveled-looking. You’ll find old ginger root stringy and difficult to slice and peel; it also lacks the flavor of fresh, young ginger. And if you cannot find good-quality fresh ginger in your regular supermarket, head to an Asian market to stock up.

Note: Do not use dried, ground, or candied ginger for this recipe. It will only work with fresh ginger.

How to Make Ginger Simple Syrup

To make ginger simple syrup, start by combining granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir in slices of peeled fresh ginger, and allow everything to simmer for 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and allow the ginger to steep in the sugary liquid for about an hour. After allowing the mixture to cool, pass everything through a fine mesh strainer to remove the ginger:

After straining, pour the cooled syrup into jars.  Refrigerate to use as needed.

For ingredients and step-by-step process photos, scroll down to the recipe below.

How to Use Ginger Simple Syrup

I love the versatility of this recipe. You can:

• Use it as a soaking syrup for homemade cakes and cupcakes
• Sweeten iced coffee, iced tea, lemonade, or limeade
• Spice up sparkling water, or stir it into cocktails
• Make winter beverages like coffee or ginger hot chocolate

Ginger Syrup Tips and Tricks

To make ginger syrup, you’ll need a small or medium saucepan for simmering; a sharp paring knife or y-peeler to peel the ginger; and a heat resistant spoon to stir the syrup.

You’ll also need a fine mesh strainer to remove the syrupy ginger. (Side note: Remain alert during the straining step! Don’t make the too-common-kitchen-mistake of straining your freshly infused syrup directly into the sink.)

What to do with the bowl of syrupy ginger pieces? Discard these with food waste or compost. Or, toss in additional granulated sugar and arrange on a parchment-lined tray and allow to dry for an impromptu batch of crystallized ginger. (For a proper batch, try making my candied ginger recipe!)

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

After cooling the syrup, pour it into  an airtight jar or container for storage. Store in in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Other simple syrup recipes you might enjoy:

Rhubarb Simple Syrup
Blueberry Simple Syrup
Lavender Simple Syrup
Orange Simple Syrup

And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!

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