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Beverage

Té de Jengibre

A clear glass mug of golden ginger tea with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick on a rustic wooden table
Prep
5 mins
Cook
15 mins
Servings
4
CubanEasyBeverageVegetarianVeganGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

This warming ginger tea, a staple in Cuban households, is more than a drink—it's a hug in a mug. Fresh ginger, a whisper of bay leaf, and a touch of honey create a comforting brew that soothes the soul and warms the bones, perfect for quiet mornings or chilly evenings.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Fresh ginger root

other

60 g

Imperial measurement: 2 1/2 inches

Water

liquid

1 L

Imperial measurement: 4 cups

Bay leaf

herb

1 leaf

Honey

liquid

16 g

Imperial measurement: 4 teaspoons

Lemon wedges

fruit

4

Imperial measurement: 1 lemon cut into wedges

Method

1

Slice the ginger

5 minutes

Scrub the ginger well, peel if desired, and cut into thin slices. No need to be precise; the goal is to release flavor quickly.

2

Simmer the tea

15 minutes

In a medium saucepan, add the water, sliced ginger, and bay leaf if using. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes.

3

Strain and serve

2 minutes

Remove from heat, taste, and if you prefer a stronger ginger kick, let it steep a few more minutes. Strain into mugs and stir honey into each cup while still warm.

4

Finish with lemon

1 minute

Serve hot, each cup with a lemon wedge to squeeze to taste. Skip the wedge if you prefer unadulterated ginger.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Strainer or colander
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
0 g
Protein
17 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
20 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • For a spicier, more restorative cup, add a pinch of dried cayenne or a star anise to the simmering water.
  • If you must, use ground ginger—about 1 teaspoon to 1 cup water—but the flavor won't be as bright as fresh.
  • I add a bay leaf from my abuela's plant because its subtle resinous hint takes the edge off the ginger's fire. My friend Yara skips it, either way, you'll get a good brew.
  • I like my honey in, but a crisp raw honey drizzled over the top as you sip is pure magic if you like a touch of ceremony.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve hot in porcelain mugs. This tea is a natural after dinner or before bedtime companion—it settles the spirit and warms the hands.

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Elena Cardenas

Recipe by

Elena Cardenas

Specialises in Cuban cuisine

Elena makes black beans with sofrito and a bay leaf. She is a bean queen.

Describe yourself in three words: Beany, sofrito-y, bay leaf.