The beverage we’re about to break out delivers all the buzz of a cocktail without any of the booze.
No next-day-regretsies here!
Could you spill a little gin in there? Absolutely. But we’re keeping things family-friendly with this recipe. And it all starts with a humble but flavorful root.
If you’ve never worked with fresh ginger before, I can understand how your first glimpse of the stuff at the grocery store might be slightly traumatizing.
I mean, let’s be honest. An overflowing bin of the bulbous, hand-like roots looks like something out of one of the “Saw” movies.
But once you bring it home, pop off one of its stringy fingers, slice it into rounds, and allow its perfume to infuse the mixture that leads to this lovely libation, you’ll be wondering why it’s taken so long for ginger to top your list of go-to ingredients.
If you’re like me, however, and grew up with the rich spice as if it were a member of your extended family, the sight of those roots brings pure comfort.
For as long as I can remember, my mom has leaned into a holistic lifestyle and embraced alternative medicine. This meant that while other kids were downing spoonfuls from a bottle of pink goop to settle their stomachs, I was given peppermint essential oil to sniff, lavender to put behind my ears, and a curvy, ocean-blue crystal to calm my anxiety.
This all might sound a little odd to you, but for me, this was the norm.
Of all the hippy-dippy remedies I was offered, spicy, fresh ginger root was by far my favorite.
Much like the Windex in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” whether it was called upon to soothe tummy troubles as a child or adolescent anxieties, my parents faithfully relied on the fibrous little rhizome we call ginger as a dependable cure-all. They would soak a pile of the little golden rounds in boiling water whenever my sister and I needed a boost.
Its signature fragrance comes from its natural oils, one being gingerol, which is responsible for the majority of the rhizome’s known medicinal properties. Whether you use it for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, to aid an upset stomach, or even to help battle a nasty cold, the fierce, funny-looking root is a proven powerhouse.
It’s also delicious in everything from buckwheat cookies to sweet and sour pork. So you shouldn’t be afraid to jazz up your menu with it!
Now that I’ve hyped you up on one of our main ingredients, let’s get cooking. Well, steeping.
Indulging in today’s recipe is a no-forks-required activity. Take a hike, silverware. Straws, it’s showtime! Here’s what I’ve learned about mixing up a delicious drink when no alcohol is involved:
Generous flavor, fragrance, and balance are your best friends.
Curious about how we achieve that in this effervescent liquid potion? Lions and tigers and… wait. That’s not it.
Herbs, spice, citrus, and sweetness.
Earthy, herbal mint creates the subtle cooling backbone of the drink, while tart lime juice brings a zip that hits your tongue in all the right spots. Rich, sticky honey cuts through the sourness and sparkling water adds a much-needed kick of carbonation.
For me, though, the most majestic element is the ginger. It’s bright, pungent, and peppery. What more could you want, to sip through a straw?
Go on, ginger. Give yourself a hand.
Print
Mint Lime Ginger Splash
- Total Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 drinks 1x
Description
Need a bubbly beverage that packs a punch? Finished with sparkling water, this mint and lime libation is infused with spicy ginger.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2-inch knob fresh ginger root, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
- 1/2 cup honey
- Juice of 2–3 limes (about 1/3 cup), plus lime slices/wedges for garnish
- 2–3 cups ice
- 1 1/2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Edible flowers, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepot over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ginger and mint. Steep for 30 minutes.
- Using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, strain the liquid into a container big enough to hold 4 cups. Using the back of a spoon, press down on the ginger and mint to extract as much flavor as possible. Stir in the honey. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
- Remove from the refrigerator, and stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Divide the ice cubes among 4 10-ounce glasses and pour the mint-ginger beverage on top. Add sparkling water to taste/to fill the glasses, stir gently, and then garnish each glass with the lime slices or wedges, mint sprigs, and edible flowers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Non-alcoholic
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Beverage
Keywords: mint, lime, ginger, splash, non-alcoholic
Cooking By the Numbers…
Step 1 – Gather, Measure, and Prep Ingredients
Measure about a 2-inch knob of ginger root. A whole “hand” of the rhizome looks like a knobby root with sections that can be broken off. You can use your hands to break off one of the smaller “fingers” to get what you need.
It doesn’t need to be peeled for this recipe, but it should be scrubbed so there’s no visible dirt. Slice into thin rounds.
Juice the limes. Set aside 4 nice mint sprigs and slice another lime into rounds or wedges that will be used for garnishing each drink. Measure the water, mint, honey, and lime juice.
Edible flowers can often be found next to the herbs in the produce section of higher-end grocery stores. They’re not a necessary part of the garnish, but they make for a colorful presentation.
Step 2 – Steep, Strain, and Sweeten Aromatic Mixture
Add the water to a medium saucepot and place it over high heat. Once it comes to a boil, remove the pot from the heat.
Stir in the ginger and mint leaves. Allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes so the two ingredients can infuse the water with their flavor.
Using a piece of cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, strain into a pitcher or lidded container that will hold at least 4 cups. Use the back of a spoon to push down on the slices and herbs so you can extract as much flavor as possible from the solids.
While your herbal infusion is still at room temperature, whisk in the honey. It won’t dissolve into the liquid as well once it’s chilled.
Step 3 – Chill and Add the Lime
Refrigerate until chilled, for at least 1 hour.
Stir in the fresh lime juice.
Step 4 – Pour over Ice, Garnish, and Serve
Tall and thin highball glasses are the best glassware option for serving. Fill 4 10-ounce glasses all the way to the brim with ice, then pour the mint-ginger beverage on top.
Top with sparkling water to fill the glasses, or add as much as you like to taste. Use a long iced tea spoon to gently stir the drink and combine all the elements.
Garnish each glass with the lime rounds or wedges, mint sprigs, and edible flowers. Serve with straws.
Bottle Service
Since I decided to ditch the booze over a year ago, I still occasionally miss that bitter burn in my homemade, handcrafted beverages.
Luckily, the massive recent boom in the zero-proof liquor industry means there are plenty of complexly-flavored NA spirits you could splash into this drink. And you can draw a ton of inspiration from other drinks, like my passion fruit mocktail, to have some fun with various combinations.
Another route for playing with the profile of this refreshing mint lime mocktail is to take advantage of the plethora of sparkling water varieties on the shelves today.
From pineapple to coconut to pink lemonade, there are infinite carbonated choices to fizz things up.
How will you personalize this pretty drink and give it another layer of flavorful dimension? Share your creative cocktail-inspired ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to give this recipe a five-star rating if you loved it.
On the hunt for more ways to use up the rest of that ginger root? Give these spice-forward recipes a shot next:
Photos by Fanny Slater, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Lori Jo Hendrix on August 14, 2012. Last updated on June 28, 2022.
Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
About Fanny Slater
Fanny Slater is a home-taught food enthusiast based in Wilmington, North Carolina who won the “Rachael Ray Show” Great American Cookbook Competition in 2014, and published her cookbook “Orange, Lavender & Figs” in 2016. Fanny is a food and beverage writer, recipe developer, and social media influencer. She was a co-host on the Food Network series “Kitchen Sink,” was featured on Cooking Channel’s longtime popular series “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and continues to appear regularly on the “Rachael Ray Show.”
Give me some, now!! Pretty, please? It’s sweltering hot where I am now and boy, I could use some now. Anyhow, I’ve never really considered using special glasses. Hehe, I’m hopeless, I only have mugs at home. But you’re right, with the right glass, it does make the drinks more enticing.
Hi saravet,
Well if it’s hot be sure and keep hydrated. Just like the presentation for your food platter, a drinks presentation can also add to the pleasure of drinking it. There are so many things involved with enjoying food and drink and presentation is one of them.
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori H.
Great recipe and idea because many people don’t drink either due to driving, medication or addictions. The good thing about this drink is it’s not too sweet and fruity which I don’t like. You can always have some sparkling wine in an ice bucket for those who want to drink to add to it.
Hi Bella,
Thank you! I too prefer drinks that are not too sweet and the ginger gives it a great kick! Great idea with the sparkling wine, that would make a great alcoholic partner to this non-alcoholic drink, both very fresh and clean tasting. Just make sure it is a dry sparkling wine.
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori H.
I like the idea of this, because non-drinkers can have a nice, fancy drink and not feel as if they stand out, because they’re drinking a bottle or glass of water. This sounds delicious and refreshing, and I think making and serving this would be a great way to liven up an ordinary day or evening.
Hi Diane Lane,
I never really thought about it but yes, if you are not drinking and everybody else is it sure would be nice to have something similar to what everybody else is having. That way you don’t feel short handed or like you said, standing out as the only one with a bottle of water only.
This drink will add elegance to any lunch, dinner, party or cocktail hour. It’s just so pretty! I had a friend once, a male friend who was very elegant and well dressed and he used to order drinks before dinner that matched his shirts. That is all he would tell the bartender, ¨make me something the color of my shirt¨. Oh I miss my lively friend! Unfortunately he has moved away but we had many fun cocktails together.
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori H.
This really does seems like it will be so crisp and refreshing. I love non-alocholic beverage ideas as I have a lot of friends who don’t drink, for whatever reason and I always want to offer them something else instead of water or cola. Thanks very much!
It does look absolutely refreshing. That’s the first thing that came to mind. It looks very enticing for something to sip during a get-together on a hot afternoon.
I think it’s always great to have something nice to offer those who don’t wish to indulge. It makes the designated driver feel less “left out” too, I think. They can still enjoy something inviting and festive without worry.
Kudos for this recipe, Lori Jo. Nice idea.
Hi Zyni,
I am happy you like my recipe and I am certain your non drinking friends will really appreciate the extra effort you put into their drinks. Drinking these on a hot afternoon would be perfect, especially out in the garden.
Your welcome!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
Hi missbishi,
You are welcome! You sound like such a good hostess. 🙂
Regards,
Lori Jo.
Hi again missbishi,
I forgot to say, definitely the ginger and citrus make it very crisp and refreshing. Healthy as well. Your friends will be very impressed!
You are welcome!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
Wow! This will be so refreshing in the summer months! I’m planning a big BBQ party for my husband’s 50th birthday in July, and it’s usually fairly hot here at that time. I also have at least 6 guests who don’t drink alcohol, so I am looking for as many pretty and tasty grown up drinks I can find. I’d prefer to make these drinks myself too, instead of serving up sugar-laden sodas all the time.
Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Portia88,
Your husbands 50th. party sounds wonderful. Your non-drinking guests will be very surprised and feel very special with these refreshing drinks and July is the perfect time to serve them. Have fun!
Regards,
Lori Jo
I used to love a good cocktail, but I don’t really enjoy what alcohol does to me anymore. Plus going out for drinks is so expensive and inconvenient. My favorite cocktails were always along the lines of mojitos and caipirinhas, so of course I think this recipe is just perfect. Looks like an excellent party recipe, too. Will definitely be trying when I’m in the mood to be a little fancy.
Hi LeopardJones,
I am very happy you like this recipe! Have fun and cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo.
That looks so good! I have got to get me one of them! Particularly love the mixture of the citrus through lemon or lime and ginger. Classic combination 🙂 And add to that some honey- pure, organic, real honey, and this is a brilliant mocktail for those who are attending your soiree but are uninterested in having an alcoholic drink, or have to drive, but still want to join in the atmosphere of the cocktail party.
Hi StickFigureA,
Thank you! Oh I am getting thirsty now. Fresh organic honey, yum!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
Since I’m actively trying to reduce on the amounts of alcohol I have everyday, thank God I’ve stumbled upon this! I usually have root beer on a daily basis and this should be a nice change of pace! Also, does mint and honey go that well together?
HI xSentaru,
I can’t wait for you try it and yes, mint and honey are divine together, especially with spicy ginger.
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
I have a cousin, everytime the guinness ad would come on, she’d have to drink something…water or a soft drink, she ‘s not into alcohol but she’d say it had a wonderful effect on her… i guess people who do advertising factor in psychological reactions {how a person will react}… and that’s what’s happening here….i’ll make the cocktail… put it in a very huge jug and just be a little bitty ‘selfish’ 😉 😀
Hi dianethare,
Hahahaha, sounds perfect!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
Most mixed alcoholic drinks can easily be converted into non alcoholic drinks. The only things that are pretty difficult to convert are drinks where alcohol is the primary ingredient. I don’t see a martini being non alcoholic. That being said this is a nice drink with or without alcohol. Mint & ginger are not used enough in my opinion.
Hi JoanMcWench,
Hahahaha, true! No replacement for martinis, I am a martini lover, but you can use the beautiful martini glass, frosted and cold straight from your freezer.
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
Since I gave up drinking its always awkward hanging out with friends who are drinking. I don’t talk about my reasons for quitting so they don’t understand why inhave a sweet tea. With this I think everyone will b a lot more comfortable. Thank you!
To be fair, I’d rather have a sweet tea or an Arnold Palmer over an alcoholic beverage any day, even at a bar. You don’t have to tell someone why you’re not drinking – it’s none of their business. I know people that simply don’t drink in social outings because they want to be in full control, and I respect that. It’s never a good idea to try and pry into someone’s life by asking them tons of questions about everything.
Hi troutski,
I agree, prying questions are rude, grrrr, hate them!
Let us know if you try this recipe. Feel free to ask a Bartender to make it for you!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
Hi kana_marie,
You are welcome!
Oh yes, this will definitely prevent invasive questions. Nobody will notice you are drinking a non-alcoholic beverage and you can enjoy yourself in peace.
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
Thanks Lori for this drink recipe. Seeing the amounts to use is very helpful, because my drinks taste different each time I make them. This is a very refreshing summer drink, and I love the lemon, ginger combination. I have never used the sparkling water before, so that will give it a new twist.
Hi aphil,
You are welcome and yes the bubbles in the sparkling water do add a nice refreshing touch!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori H.
I’m not a huge fan of cocktails, though this non-alcoholic version sounds pretty good. I continue to become more and more of a fan of ginger as time goes on, and you can never go wrong with mint or lime. I think I’d find myself trying this cocktail recipe on a summer in the middle of the morning during a relaxing sit outside in the shade, but that’s just me. I’m sure it’s enjoyable at all times of day.
Hi troutski,
Oh that does sound nice enjoying this cocktail in the shade of the mid morning sun… Very relaxing..
Ginger can be an acquired taste but for those that find it spicy, just add less. I love it!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
I am sure I will enjoy this. I am not a drinker but I do like flavor soda water and with this flavor mixed in with it, would be a nice combination. I also have never made my own drink before or even thought to look up different drink recipes but I will definitely start looking at different kinds of way to make a drink now. This will definitely be the talk of the party, where people would ask where did I buy this drink.
Hi unique,
Yes there are many mixed cocktail recipes that can be adapted to a non-alcoholic recipe. Time to experiment and have fun!
Cheers!
Regards,
Lori Jo
As I go through your site, you continue to amaze and excite me 😀 When I came across this recipe, I just knew I have to bookmark this page for later references. I do like an alcoholic drink, but just sometimes a non-alcoholic drink on a hot day goes down very well too. Lets also look at it this way, when one has a dinner party or a barbeque, not every guest drinks, so its always nice to offer an alternative or two. Loving my time spent here. Thank you.
Hi fionakzn,
So happy to hear you are enjoying this blog. There is a time and place for alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages and it is always nice to have a few delicious but easy alternative go to’s. As we all know from experience, hahaha, too many alcoholic drinks in the hot sun can be very dehydrating. You can always have just a couple alcoholic drinks and then switch to the non alcoholic varieties. Another plus like you said, your non drinking guests will be very pleasantly surprised not having to drink bottled soft drinks, hehe.
Regards,
Lori Jo
I don’t drink so I need more articles like this, please. The only thing I’m a little hesitant about with this drink would be the ginger. The taste for me is very pungent and I’m not sure I can handle it. I can barely tolerate ginger snaps but I like them. I can’t explain it. So, is there a substitute for that ingredient? Would replacing the ginger throw off the whole drink entirely? What if I just leave it out altogether?
Hi denelizr,
Make it without, it will still be delicious! I will post more non-alcooholic drink recipes. Thank you for the compiment on my recipe.
Cheers!
Mmmmm. This sounds lovely and has the advantage of looking like a grown-up drink too. My preferred drink is red wine, but I don’t always want to drink alcohol and most non alcolohic drinks seem horribly sweet by comparison with dry wine. I think your recipe will be refreshing and slightly spiky tasting which will make a refreshing change from the sweet sticky alternatives and go much better with a meal, which is when I’d normally drink wine. Thank you.
I don’t think you can ever go wrong with mint, lime and ginger. This drink looks so good, I want one right now!
Hi atlmom5,
Hahahaha, you are right and me too! This is a great combo on flavors.
Thanks!
Yesterday I multiplied the recipe by six and served this to a group where I was giving a presentation on the medicinal uses for mint. Everyone loved the drink! (The presentation went over well too.) The recipe is perfect. Thank you.
Congrats on the delicious drink AND the stellar presentation!