Lemon ginger water is the simplest wellness drink you can make: a few slices of fresh ginger root, a squeeze of lemon, and hot or cold water – yielding a refreshing drink that warms, aids hydration, and supports the immune system. Here is our basic recipe, the best variations with cucumber, cinnamon, honey or turmeric, and everything you need to know about its benefits and preparation.
Lemon ginger water benefits: how it affects the body
Ginger contains gingerols, which can offer warming and anti-inflammatory effects, whilst lemon provides vitamin C. Together, they create a drink that aids digestion, soothes cold symptoms, and gently kick-starts your morning routine – completely free from sugar or caffeine.
How to make lemon ginger water (basic recipe)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lemon, sliced or juiced
- 500–750 ml water (hot or cold)
- optional: 1 tsp honey
Method: Place the ginger and lemon slices into a jug or teapot, pour over the water, and leave to infuse for 5–10 minutes. The longer it infuses, the more intense the flavour. Drink it warm or enjoy it chilled throughout the day.
Boiled lemon and ginger water or cold infusion?
Pouring hot water over the ingredients extracts the heat and flavours faster – ideal if you have a cold. Preparing a cold infusion (left in the fridge overnight) makes it milder and more refreshing. Tip: do not use boiling water straight from the kettle; instead, let it cool to around 80 °C before pouring to protect the vitamin C in the lemon.
Lemon ginger tea for colds
At the first sign of a cold, warm lemon ginger water is wonderfully soothing: it warms you from within, hydrates mucous membranes, and provides vitamin C. For an extra boost, pair it with a ginger shot.
Cucumber, lemon and ginger water
A few slices of cucumber make the drink particularly crisp and summery – perfect as a low-calorie detox water for warm days. Leave the cucumber, ginger, and lemon to infuse in cold water overnight.
Lemon, ginger and cinnamon water
Infusing a cinnamon stick gives the water a warm, subtly sweet note without any added sugar. Cinnamon can also help stabilise blood sugar levels and is lovely during the colder months.
Lemon, ginger and honey water
Allow the drink to cool slightly before stirring in 1 tsp of honey (do not add it to boiling water, as high heat damages delicate enzymes). This makes the drink gently sweet and particularly soothing for a sore throat.
Turmeric, ginger and lemon water
A pinch of turmeric plus a pinch of black pepper (to aid curcumin absorption) transforms the drink into a golden, anti-inflammatory tonic. If you prefer a creamier drink, try our golden milk paste.
Lemon, ginger and apple cider vinegar water
Adding 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar gives the drink a tangy, tart kick and can help moderate blood sugar spikes after meals. Find out more in our guide to drinking apple cider vinegar. Always dilute well and drink through a straw to protect tooth enamel.
Lemon ginger water for weight loss
As a calorie-free alternative to fruit juices and fizzy drinks, lemon ginger water is ideal for boosting daily hydration and supporting feelings of fullness. While not a magic cure, it is a clever building block in a balanced diet.
When and how much should you drink?
First thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it gets your digestion and circulation moving. Consuming 0.5–1 litre spread throughout the day is completely safe. If you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from heartburn, simply reduce the quantity of lemon.
Things to keep in mind
- Use unwaxed or organic lemons if you are infusing the peel.
- Leaving the skin on the ginger is fine provided it is thoroughly washed – most bioactive nutrients sit directly beneath the peel.
- Avoid boiling water to protect the heat-sensitive vitamin C.
- If you have gallstones or take blood-thinning medications, consult your GP or pharmacist before consuming large amounts of ginger.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Should you drink lemon ginger water in the morning or evening?
Drinking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach provides the best invigorating effect. In the evening, keep the blend milder and omit honey if you wish to keep blood sugar levels steady.
How long can you store lemon ginger water?
Covered in the fridge, it keeps well for 1–2 days. After that, the flavour and vitamin C content begin to diminish – it is best enjoyed freshly made.
Can you reuse the ginger slices?
Yes, the same ginger slices can be topped up with water 2–3 times, though the flavour will become milder with each brew. Add fresh lemon each time.
Summary
Lemon ginger water is budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable – whether with cucumber, cinnamon, honey, turmeric, or apple cider vinegar. Make up a jug today: drink it warm to soothe cold symptoms, or chilled as a refreshing drink throughout the day.
Sources and further reading
Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and controlled trials relevant to this article. All links were verified for accessibility on 16/08/2026.
- Li Z, Wu J, Song J et al.: Ginger for treating nausea and vomiting: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. International journal of food sciences and nutrition 2024. PubMed 38072785. DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2023.2284647.
- Simeone P, Filannino FM, Cianciulli A et al.: Ginger Bioactives as Multi-Target Therapeutics: Mechanisms, Delivery Innovation, and Human Health Impact. 2026. PubMed 41978129. DOI: 10.3390/nu18071079.
- Ballester P, Cerdá B, Arcusa R et al.: Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2022. PubMed 36364048. DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217223.
- Zhang M, Zhao R, Wang D et al.: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and its bioactive components are potential resources for health beneficial agents. Phytotherapy research : PTR 2021. PubMed 32954562. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6858.
- Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP et al.: Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2020. PubMed 31935866. DOI: 10.3390/nu12010157.
- Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Combrinck S et al.: Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger. Phytochemistry 2015. PubMed 26228533. DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.07.012.
