Zesty Ginger Ice Cubes To Boost The Flavours of Cool Summer Drinks
Ginger is a versatile root that adds crucial flavours to snacks, beverages, soup and even desserts. It is an essential part of the Indian pantry, especially in summers. Frozen ginger ice cubes can be used not only to chill drinks, but are also ideal and easy to use during busy times to make tasty and flavourful drinks and dishes. If a sip of tea or a chilled beverage is needed at any moment, these ginger ice cubes provide the perfect solution. These are simple to make, easy to store and convenient to use.
Benefits Of Preparing Ginger Ice Cubes
Preparing ginger ice cubes is a convenient way of using ginger because peeling and grating are not required every time they are needed. The shelf life of raw ginger is shorter, and it gets spoiled, whereas ginger ice cubes can stay fresh longer simply because they are frozen. Ginger ice cubes can be used as a natural flavouring agent for beverages and cooking, especially while making summer cocktails, mocktails, slushies and even cold soups.
How To Make Ginger Ice Cubes?
To make ginger ice cubes, the ingredients required are 4-6 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and grated, or some alternatives to water, such as coconut water, honey or lemon juice for added natural flavour. The preparation process is as follows: Take a peeler and fresh ginger, peel it with a peeler or spoon, blend in a blender with a small amount of water or water alternatives. To get a strong flavour, filter the mixture with a fine sieve that removes the pulp. Pour the liquid in an ice cube tray and let it freeze for 4-6 hours until solid. Transfer the ginger ice cubes into a freezer bag, keep them in the freezer, and use them when needed.
Alternatively, the grated ginger can be boiled in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes, and kept simmering for 10 minutes to extract the maximum flavour. Thereafter, the ginger-infused water should be transferred into a bowl. It should be cooled to room temperature. Pour the liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze it in the freezer. Honey or lemon can be added for extra flavour, though it is optional. Keep the ice cube tray with ginger in the freezer for 4-6 hours or overnight. When they are solid, transfer them into a freezer bag and keep them in the freezer for long-term use.
Some Creative Variations To Make Ginger Ice Cubes
Herb-Infused Ginger Cubes: Add herbs like fresh rosemary or mint for extra aroma and flavour. This results in ginger ice cubes for beverages like flavoured water, cocktails and mocktails.
Ginger Lemon Ice Cubes: Mix some lemon juice with the ginger paste or water to give it a tangy flavour. This ginger and lemon-infused water can be used in tea or added to sparkling water to make beverages.
Coconut Water, Ginger Ice Cubes: Adding coconut water to the ginger paste or blending with coconut water instead of plain water makes the ginger ice cube extra flavourful.
Honey Ginger Ice Cubes: Adding 1/4th cup of honey with the ginger paste or water can create sweet-flavoured ice cubes for different beverages.
Ways To Consume Ginger Ice Cubes
Ginger ice cubes can be added to a glass of water to make a quick drink. It can be added to cold-brewed tea to make a convenient version of ginger-infused iced tea. The same can be done with iced coffee. While making smoothies with vegetables or fruits, ginger ice cubes can be added for some added flavour. To add depth to flavour, these cubes can be added to homemade broths. Different summer drinks can be made from ginger ice cubes, like ginger lemonade mojito (uses ginger ice cubes, white rum, mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda), ginger peach iced tea (uses ginger ice cubes, vodka, peach tea and honey), ginger citrus fizz (ginger ice cubes, gin, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, sparkling water or club soda), ginger daiquiri (requires ginger ice cubes, rum, lime juice, simple syrup), ginger Moscow mule (requires ginger ice cubes, vodka lime juice), etc. There are many more different summer drinks that use ginger ice cubes to add an extra twist.
Storage And Additional Tips:
To preserve the flavour and aroma of the ginger ice cubes, store them in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag and keep them in the freezer. Experimenting can be done with several other flavours like orange zest, turmeric, etc, for an added flavour.
Ginger ice cubes are simply amazing when it comes to saving time in the busy hours for making flavoured tea, or any other beverages and cooking. These cubes add versatility and zest to the drinks and foods where they are used. To add more versatility to the food and drinks, try adding different ingredients as per availability and creativity, and feel the difference in taste.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
