Ginger Cup
Ginger Cup is a refreshing, citrus-infused beverage with a spicy kick of ginger and aromatic spices. Perfect for warm afternoons or festive gatherings, this drink combines orange and lemon flavors with pineapple, ginger ale, and warming spices for a delightful and invigorating experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Push the cloves into the oranges and let them stand for one hour to extract the flavor.
- Rub the sugar over the rind of the oranges and lemons, then add the juice of these fruits to the sugar.
- Add the spices and shredded pineapple and let the mixture stand for two hours.
- At the time of serving, add water and ginger ale and pour over cracked ice.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider using fresh ginger slices instead of ginger ale, or add a splash of rum for a boozy twist. If you can't find fresh oranges or lemons, bottled juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for vibrant flavor. Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar if you prefer a more tart drink.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ginger Cup in chilled glasses for a refreshing treat, perfect for warm weather gatherings. It pairs beautifully with light appetizers such as shrimp cocktail or fruit platters. Consider garnishing with mint leaves for an added touch of freshness, or serve alongside a slice of Zucchini Cake Squares for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
This Ginger Cup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to a day. Avoid adding ginger ale until you're ready to serve, as it will go flat. Refill with more ice and ginger ale when ready to enjoy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginger Cup contains roughly 3547 calories, with 48g protein, 464g carbohydrates, and 215g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (679% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 781mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture and spices a few hours in advance. Just remember to add the ginger ale and ice right before serving to keep it fizzy and refreshing.
What if I don't have fresh cloves?
If you don't have fresh cloves, ground cloves can be used as a substitute. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves instead of whole cloves to infuse a similar flavor into the drink.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
Absolutely! This recipe is already non-alcoholic as it uses ginger ale. If you want a variation, you can add more fruit juices like apple or cranberry for added sweetness without any alcohol.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).