A refreshing, spicy-sweet drink made from fresh ginger root, lemon, sugar, and cold water. This invigorating Congolese beverage is served ice-cold at celebrations and as a daily refreshment.
Ingredients
200g fresh ginger root, peeled
1 liter cold water
Juice of 3 lemons
150g sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes for serving
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
1Peel the ginger root and chop roughly. Blend with two cups of water in a blender until completely pureed, or grate finely on a box grater.
2Strain the ginger puree through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing firmly to extract all the spicy juice.
3Add the remaining water, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to the ginger juice. Stir vigorously until the sugar fully dissolves.
4Taste and adjust sweetness and tartness. The drink should balance the fiery heat of ginger with the sweetness of sugar and brightness of lemon.
5Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to become very cold. The ginger flavor intensifies as it rests.
6Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnished with fresh mint leaves. This drink is incredibly refreshing in the tropical heat of the Congo.
Did You Know?
At Congolese weddings and celebrations, jus de gingembre is often served in enormous communal bowls, and the strength of the ginger is a point of pride for the host.