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Muscovado Ginger Tea Recipe

PHOTO: ZOE TAPALGO
YIELDS:
3 SERVING(S)
Prep Time:
5 MINS
Total Time:
15 MINS
Cal/Serv:
98

Nutritional Information

Calories 296 kcal
Fat 0 g
Saturated fat 0 g
Trans fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 57 mg
Carbohydrates 76 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 71 g
Protein 1 g
Vitamin D 0 µg
Calcium 94 mg
Iron 1 mg
Potassium 198 mg

Note: The information shown is Edamam's estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

Muscovado Ginger Tea is a warming Filipino-inspired beverage known for its soothing aroma and naturally rich sweetness. It is made by steeping fresh ginger in hot water, then sweetening it with muscovado sugar, which adds a deep, caramel-like flavor with subtle molasses notes. The combination creates a comforting drink that is both spicy and sweet, with a gentle warmth that lingers in every sip.

Often enjoyed during cold weather or when feeling under the weather, Muscovado Ginger Tea is valued for its calming and revitalizing qualities. It reflects the Filipino tradition of using simple, natural ingredients to create remedies and drinks that are both nourishing and flavorful.

Recipe Tips:

Use fresh ginger, not powder. Fresh ginger gives a brighter, cleaner heat. Slice it thin or lightly crush it to release more flavor. Adjust the ginger intensity. For mild tea, simmer for 5–7 minutes. For stronger, spicier tea: simmer 10–15 minutes. Longer simmer = deeper heat and aroma.

Substitutions:

Lemongrass. 

What to serve this with:

Light pastries or bread. Biscuits or cookies. Simple rice-based snacks 

Ingredients

FOR THE SYRUP

  • 0.5 Cup water
  • 0.5 Cup muscovado sugar
  • 1 Small pandan leaves

FOR THE TEA

  • 1.5 Piece thumb of ginger, sliced
  • 3 Cup of water
  • 1 Teaspoon lemon juice
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Directions

SYRUP

Step 1

In a small, clean cooking pot, combine the water and muscovado sugar, making sure that the sugar is evenly distributed in the liquid. Place the pot over medium heat and begin warming the mixture slowly, allowing the sugar to gradually dissolve into the water. Once the mixture starts to heat, add the prepared pandan leaves to the pot. Gently stir the ingredients together to help release the natural aroma and flavor of the pandan while the sugar syrup begins to form. As the mixture cooks, the pandan leaves will infuse the syrup with their fragrant, sweet, and slightly floral notes, adding more depth and character to the flavor. Continue heating gently to allow the ingredients to blend well before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2

Continue heating the syrup mixture gently while keeping a close eye on the pot to prevent it from reaching a rapid boil. Avoid over-boiling the syrup, as excessive heat can cause it to become too thick, alter the flavor of the muscovado sugar, or develop a burnt taste. Allow the mixture to simmer just enough for the sugar to fully dissolve and for the pandan leaves to release their pleasant aroma and flavor. Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency and the flavors have blended well, remove the pot from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. The prepared muscovado sugar syrup can then be added to the ginger tea to enhance its sweetness and depth of flavor. Serve and enjoy the warm muscovado ginger tea while fresh, appreciating the comforting combination of spicy ginger, rich muscovado sweetness, and fragrant pandan notes.

TEA

Step 1

Begin by preparing the ginger by washing it thoroughly under clean, running water to remove any dirt or residue from the surface. Gently scrub the ginger skin if needed to ensure that it is properly cleaned before use. Once washed, peel the ginger using a small knife or spoon to remove the outer skin, then rinse it again briefly to keep it clean. Carefully slice the ginger into thin, even pieces to help release its natural aroma and flavor during cooking. Cutting the ginger into smaller slices allows its warm, slightly spicy taste to blend more easily with the other ingredients and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Set the prepared ginger aside and keep it ready for the next step of the cooking process.

Step 2

Pour 3 cups of clean water into a small cooking pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to heat gradually until it reaches a steady boil, with bubbles forming and rising to the surface. Make sure to use a pot that is large enough to hold the water while leaving enough space for additional ingredients to be added later. Bringing the water to a full boil before proceeding helps ensure that the cooking process begins at the proper temperature and allows the ingredients to cook evenly. Once the water has reached a gentle but consistent boil, it is ready for the next step of preparation.

Step 3

Once the water has reached a steady boil, carefully add the prepared sliced ginger into the pot. Stir the ginger gently to help distribute the slices evenly throughout the boiling water, allowing its natural oils and flavors to infuse into the liquid. As the ginger cooks, it will release its warm, fragrant aroma and slightly spicy taste, creating a flavorful base for the drink or dish. Allow the ginger to simmer in the boiling water so that its flavor can gradually develop and become more noticeable. Continue cooking according to the next step of the preparation to achieve the desired strength and taste.

Step 4

After adding the sliced ginger, reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Letting the ginger cook slowly gives enough time for its natural oils, aroma, and warm flavor to infuse into the water. During this process, the ginger will gradually release its distinct spicy and soothing taste, creating a more flavorful and fragrant mixture. Stir occasionally to help distribute the ginger slices and ensure that the flavor is evenly extracted. Avoid boiling too vigorously, as a gentle simmer allows the ginger to release its full flavor while maintaining a balanced taste. Once the desired strength and aroma are achieved, the ginger-infused liquid is ready for the next step of preparation.

Step 5

Once the ginger has released its flavor and aroma, turn off the heat and carefully remove the pot from the stove. Prepare clean cups or serving containers and place a fine strainer over the top. Slowly pour the ginger tea through the strainer, allowing the liquid to pass through while catching and removing the ginger slices and any small pieces left behind. Straining the tea helps create a smoother drink and ensures that only the flavorful ginger-infused liquid remains. Discard the used ginger slices or set them aside if desired for another use. Serve the strained tea while warm, or allow it to cool depending on your preference.

Step 6

While the ginger tea is still warm, add the prepared flavorings by pouring in the lemon juice and muscovado sugar syrup. Stir the mixture gently using a spoon until the syrup is completely dissolved and evenly blended throughout the tea. The warmth of the tea helps the muscovado sugar syrup incorporate smoothly, adding a rich sweetness and deeper flavor to the drink. The lemon juice provides a refreshing citrus note that balances the natural spiciness of the ginger and enhances the overall taste. Continue stirring until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and flavorful ginger tea that is ready to be served.

Step 7

After adding all the flavorings, stir the ginger tea thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed and the flavors are fully combined. Continue stirring gently until the sweetness of the muscovado sugar syrup and the tangy freshness of the lemon juice are well incorporated into the ginger-infused liquid. Taste the tea and adjust the sweetness or flavor according to your preference if needed. Once the mixture is smooth and balanced, carefully pour the warm tea into serving cups. Serve immediately while it is still warm to enjoy its comforting aroma, soothing ginger flavor, and refreshing citrus notes.

 

Muscovado Ginger Tea with piece of ginger
PHOTO: ZOE TAPALGO
Alexander Villarante

Alexander Villarante

Food Editor

Alexander Villarante studied culinary arts in the Singapore Boston Business School and has over 15 years of experience working in luxury five-star hotels abroad. He competed in the Philippine Culinary Cup where he bagged several citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s most commonly served hot, but it can also be chilled and served over ice for a refreshing version.

It can be a comforting and soothing drink. Ginger is often associated with digestion and warmth, though it’s still best enjoyed in moderation due to sugar content.

Yes. Adding milk or coconut milk creates a creamier, richer version similar to spiced milk teas.

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