Ginger-Lemon Drink

Here's something I drink.

Fresh lemon + fresh ginger = reFRESHing.

Ginger and lemon are great for wintertime illness, immune health, and hydration. No, I'm not a doctor. Well, I'm not a medical doctor, anyway. But that's what I've heard.

After Willa and I have returned from a hike, she takes a long, refreshing drink from her bowl, and I take a long, refreshing drink of this. Then she takes a nap.

Even when sleeping, Willa's ears are awesome.

You can make this drink hot or cold, and it's much better for you than store-bought soda! (Cheaper, too.) And simple. The hot version is a bit more involved, but not much.

Hydrate, people (and dogs). It's good for you.


Ginger-Lemon Drink: Version Cold
serves one

1 lemon
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp pure maple syrup (more or less to taste)
dash of cayenne (optional)
1 cup sparkling water
ice if you need it

Juice the lemon right into a glass. Use a reamer if you want to get all of the delicious juices. If necessary, strain the lemon juice through a finely-meshed sieve to remove the seeds. (Or just be lazy, like me, and let the seeds float around in the bottom of your glass.)

Add the rest of the ingredients, and stir vigorously with a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings. Drink.

Aaaaaahhhhhhh.


Ginger-Lemon Drink: Version Hot
serves one


5 thin slices fresh ginger, pounded with a mortar (or a hammer, mallet, rolling pin...)
1 cup water
juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp pure maple syrup (more or less to taste)
dash of cayenne (optional)

Put the ginger and water into a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer over low heat for 15 or 20 minutes.

Strain the ginger out with tongs or a slotted spoon, and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasonings. Drink.

Aaaaaahhhhhhh.

Enjoy your weekend!