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Jus de Gingembre (Congolese Ginger Drink)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
10 min (plus 1 hr chilling)
Prep
0 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 150 g Fresh ginger, peeled and chopped (1 cup)
  • 1.5 l Water (6 cups)
  • 100 g Sugar (1/2 cup)
  • 30 ml Lime juice (2 tbsp)
  • 5g Fresh mint leaves (optional) (small handful)

Method

  1. Blend the ginger with 500ml (2 cups) of the water until finely broken down.
  2. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a large jug, pressing to extract all the liquid.
  3. Stir in the remaining water, sugar and lime juice until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness or ginger intensity by adding more sugar or a splash more strained ginger liquid.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and let the flavours meld.
  6. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh mint leaves if using.

Introduction: A sharp, refreshing ginger drink enjoyed throughout the DRC, particularly during hot weather or as a digestive aid after a heavy meal.

Cultural Background: A sharp, refreshing ginger drink enjoyed throughout the DRC, particularly during hot weather or as a digestive aid after a heavy meal. Fresh ginger is blended and strained, then sweetened to taste, making a lively non-alcoholic alternative at family gatherings.

Tips: For a stronger ginger kick, let the strained mixture rest for an extra 30 minutes before diluting, as this allows more flavour to infuse.

Variations: A few slices of pineapple blended in with the ginger add natural sweetness and a tropical twist enjoyed in some households. Naturally vegetarian as written. Naturally vegan as written.

Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed jug or bottle for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Not applicable — served cold.

Nutrition: Approx. 60 kcal, 0g protein, 15g carbohydrate, 0g fat per 250ml serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this less sweet?
A: Yes — reduce the sugar to taste, or replace it partly with honey for a different flavour profile.

Q: How spicy is this drink?
A: It has a noticeable ginger kick but is not fiery; adjust the amount of ginger used to suit your preference.

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