Something Delicious: Turmeric Ginger Lemonade

Last year while in South Africa I ordered a Turmeric Ginger Lemonade drink from one of our favourite eateries, Mugg & Bean, and I’ve been hooked ever since. At the time, I didn’t realize how beneficial the Indian spice turmeric was for the body. I just knew the drink was addictive! After my first glass, I decided to take a look at what exactly turmeric was! Turmeric is the I Indian spice that gives the spice curry, it’s yellow colour.  Turmeric is loaded with a key active ingredient, curcumin which boasts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric can be taken internally through food and drinks, supplements or can be used on the body, I’ve been back and forth using turmeric soap on my face which leaves me feeling refreshed and has been slowly helping to reduce my dark marks.

Additionally, turmeric is said to be beneficial in the following areas:

1. Supporting Weight Loss
2. Improving Mood
3. Heart Health
4. Helps to aid Digestive System
5. Help to Support Metabolism

And, the list goes on, and on!  I recently decided to recreate my version of Mugg & Beans flavourful drink at home and wanted to share my recipe.  I will confess, it is NOWHERE near as good as the original, but will do until I can get my hands on the original this November in Africa!

If you’re going to try this recipe, remember you can play with the measurements as they’re not set in stone.  Feel free to wing it if you like, I did!

TURMERIC GINGER LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-2 tablespoons of ginger root {you can use ground ginger 1 -1/2 teaspoons is fine}
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric spice {You can use turmeric root if you can find it, I couldn’t.}
• 3 Cups of Water
• 3-4 lemons
• Sugar or Honey {sweeten to your likeness}
• Pinch of black pepper

HOW TO MAKE:

1. Peel, cut up and grater your ginger root and turmeric. (Skip the step if you are using ground spices)
2. Bring three cups of water to boil. Combine spices {turmeric + ginger} and a pinch of black pepper (enhances curcumin absorption) in a pot with your three cups of water. Allow to boil for 10-15 minutes. I like to boil a litter longer. Set aside and allow to cool.
3. Strain mixture with a strainer to extract powder and or roots. I find myself straining twice.
4. Cut up and squeeze lemons extracting seeds.
5. Combine spice and water mixture with sweetener (sugar and honey) and lemon juice.
6. Stir
7. Refrigerate
8. Enjoy!

I will say this. This drink can be an acquired taste. It’s a bit strong, so you have to find the perfect balance of turmeric to ginger and sweetness. As I said, this recipe is simply a guideline for you to play around with and throw your own spin on. Remix it a little.

**DISCLAIMER** Please note: I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. I’m not in the health business. I’m just a blogger presenting my experiences and information that has been found useful to me.  What might work for me, may not work for you, so always do your own research, speak with your health provider before trying something new.