For some, January is a time to take a break from boozy cocktails and powerful wines. Others may choose to abstain from alcohol all year round, while some might choose to spend their evenings with a ginger mocktail in one hand and a beer in the other. We’re not here to judge!
No matter what your relationship to alcohol is, you’ll love this zero-proof cocktail created by Chef Lili Dagan. Chef Lili describes this concoction as refreshing, healing, cooling, warming, and relaxing all at once.
This recipe makes a quart, but Chef Lili has been known to make this gallons at a time. If you have extra, just keep it in the fridge in a covered pitcher or a jar with a lid. Your mocktail will be good for up to one week.
Chef Lili’s Ginger Mocktail
- 2” piece of ginger (about the size of your palm), thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, sliced , plus more for garnish
- 2 bags tea of your choice (peppermint, chamomile, earl grey are all good choices)
- Pinch of cayenne
- 1/8 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- Ginger soda, for serving
1. In a quart jar, combine the ginger, lemon, cayenne, turmeric, and mint leaves. Muddle until fragrant and slightly broken down. Add the tea bags and fill the jar with boiling water. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. The longer the mixture stands, the more flavorful it will be.
2. When ready to serve, strain the mixture, keeping the liquid and discarding the solids. If you don’t intend to serve all the tea mixture immediately, strain out your desired amount and continue to let the rest of the mixture steep.
3. Fill a glass with ice, then fill half the glass with the tea mixture. Add enough ginger soda to fill the glass. Taste, then add additional lemon juice if desired. Garnish with a sliced lemon and mint sprig, if desired.
Test Kitchen Tip: If you’d like to add alcohol to this drink, vodka and tequila will work nicely.
Still thirsty? Try another one of Chef Lili’s cocktail creations.
