Lemon Ginger Detox Drink

4.16 from 104 votes

Flush the fat away with this refreshing drink.

There’s nothing more refreshing than a cool drink mixed with a few tasty ingredients that delight the taste buds. But you don’t need to drive to your local coffee shop for an iced, sugary beverage filled with excess sugar and calories. And you don’t need to spend hours steeping tea or muddling fruit. Try our Lemon Ginger Detox Drink for a cooling beverage that offers the added bonus of providing your body with a cleanse that flushes the fat away. Its two main ingredients are the perfect powerhouses for a great detox that will have you feeling amazing!

Ginger is a powerful detox ingredient that helps to kick-start your metabolism. Sipping a ginger infused beverage will have your metabolism on the rise throughout the day, allowing you to flush fat even as you take in your daily meals, and will burn extra calories as you workout. Lemons are a natural detoxifier. And with their diuretic effect, your body will more easily shed unwanted toxins.

Lemon Ginger Detox Drink

Simply add the juice of a half of a lemon to a glass of water, and then grate your ginger into the glass. It’s an easy prep way to detox and flush the fat away, and it’s a great way to hydrate while enjoying some vibrant, natural flavor!

Click here to learn about the Three Day Cleanse & Detox Recipes.

4.16 from 104 votes

Lemon Ginger Detox Drink

2 powerhouse ingredients pair up in this delicious drink to detoxify and refresh your body - the natural way!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Yield 1 person
Serving Size 1 full recipe
Course Drinks
Cuisine Universal
Author SkinnyMs.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces water at room temperature
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1/2 inch knob of ginger root grated

Instructions

  • Add the lemon juice to the glass of water. Finely grate the ginger by using a zester, add to the glass of water. This drink is a perfect way to start your day!
  • NOTE: Lemon Ginger Detox Drink can be incorporated into the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox or simply enjoy first thing in the morning.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1full recipe | Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Sodium: 2mg | Sugar: 1g |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 0
Keywords Budget-Friendly, dairy-free, Diabetic-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based, Quick and Easy, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Editor’s Note: Originally published: Oct 21, 2012

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SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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223 Comments

  1. I stopped drinking ALL pop-soda before Labor day…it was hard at first since I was drinking two bottles of Pepsi a day at work=6-8 bottles a week …so knowing I have done that helps me know I do have some WillPower! so I say its itime for another challenge…No added suger….not on cereal or in coffe is easy to NOT do but what other things should I look for that might trick-me up?__Is chocolate allowed?_

    1. I've been on a sugar-free diet for medical reasons for 2 months now (4 more to go!). It's so hard! Sugar is in EVERYTHING! It's possible, but extremely limited. Very few cereals have 0g sugar and those without it usually have a sugar substitute; I finally found one in the organic aisle. Good luck!

    2. I have been on a sugar free diet for eleven years, with absolutely no cheats that entire time. You are right that it is in almost all packaged, processed food. I found that cooking in advance in large quantities and then freezing meal sized portions which are portable (in a lunchbox), allows me to have healthy "fast food" always on hand. I am an international flight attendant gone from home 21 days a month, so it is possible to eat this way even if you are constantly on the run. A word of warning…stay totally away from artificial sweeteners. They make you crave the real stuff. If you do this, you will find that it gets MUCH EASIER with time. Good luck!

      1. Since your daughter is only 8 years, please check with her doctor before
        changing her diet in anyway. Children have different dietary needs than do adults,
        and only her doctor can advise you about
        changes in diet, especially regarding detox drinks. Thanks! 🙂

        1. I use artificial sweeteners and it helps me to not want sugar. I drink cold and hot lemon and ginger boiled in water. I wonder if it is bad for my health. I love ginger and I can drink the mixture of four or more glasses a day

  2. My friend and I are about to do your Three Day Cleanse and i have a question about the ginger. It says to zest/finely grate the ginger in water. do you do the entire 1/2 inch piece of ginger per glass? Do you have any other tips or suggestions for us about to begin Cleanse? Thanks So much!

    1. Leslie, Yes, the entire 1/2″ per glass. I’ll be starting with you….today for me! You can juice or make smoothies for the drinks. I prefer smoothies because it keeps 100% of the nutrients. To avoid it getting too thick, add extra liquid…water is great!

  3. I would like to start this cleanse but I would like to know how to drink this cleanse, like if that is all we are drinking or how often we have to drink it, what do we eat the rest of day or if we are even eating anything the rest of day.

      1. she wants to know if thats the only thing you drink all day or if you can drink something else too. how often should you drink it? Then she asks if you eat anything during the day???

        1. Jan, This is meant to be for once in the morning and that’s it. Always eat whole foods and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

          1. whole foods are foods with one ingredient (carrot, celery, banana, chicken, fish, lean steak sweet potato). non-whole foods are processed, or have additives (like cereals, pop tarts, granola bars, breads, cold cuts, baked goods, pork fried rice, many packaged or frozen meals/foods). A good rule of thumb, is to shop the perimeter of the food store; mostly you will find fresh whole foods along the back and side walls of the grocery store (vegetables, fruit, meats, dairy). Best of luck to you! 🙂

  4. i saw at the store in the organic section, fresh ginger root powder… would that be the same thing? (i bought the actual ginger root) but i was just wondering 🙂

    also on the shopping list I saw that there are spruts, well stores arnt carrying them anymore due to health hazards (i was told by the produce section employees) are there any substatutions?

    1. Brittany, I always recommend fresh ginger over the powder (processed). You can buy canned sprouts but instead, Bok choi, napa cabbage or green cabbage, thinly sliced can also stand in for the crunch of bean sprouts. Substitutes for Bean Sprouts… Bok choi, napa cabbage or green cabbage, thinly sliced can also stand in for the crunch of bean sprouts.

  5. My Sweetheart and I are starting our 3-Day Cleanse as of today! We are very excited to take part on a healthier lifestyle that is going to have a beautiful and positive change to our overall well-being.
    Today is a New Beginning to a New Life for Him and I and we will all make it.

    Good Luck to everyone 🙂

    1. Zen, Thank you so much for the comment. This is inspiring and I hope other couples will begin a lifestyle of good health after reading your comment. 🙂

  6. do you drink it hot in the morning? or just cold? do you prepare a huge pitcher full for the day? thanks

        1. Sarah, You can drink this daily in addition to eating a healthy diet. I usually start my morning with this drink or 8 ounces of water with juice from 1 lime. Both are excellent morning drinks!

  7. I want to make it now. Can I use ground ginger to start till I go shopping again. Just got home from the store. How much should I sub?

    1. If you use ground ginger, I would recommend using only 1/8 teaspoon and boiling it in the water. Then pour the boiled ginger tea over ice. Ginger powder won't dissolve correctly in cold water.

    1. Ginger and Lemon combined is what makes this a detox drink. You’ll get the benefits regardless if you can or can’t taste the ginger.

    1. Chesy, You can. If you’re feeling weak it’s likely because your body is adjusting to the whole foods. It’s O.K. if you take a 3 day break from cardio.

  8. Is this lemon/ginger drink ok to make ahead of time? Like, could I make a couple of days worth and leave it in the fridge for mornings?

    1. Christine, You could make it up to two days ahead of time. However, drinking it at room temperature is recommended.

  9. can you put all of this into a vitamix? Meaning throw the ginger root in and let the vitamix liquefy it instead of grating it?

  10. I really dislike the taste of ginger. Is there something else I can substitute for ginger, or is there another type of drink I can make instead?

    1. Either omit the ginger entirely with no substitution or add a very, very small sprinkling of cayenne pepper as a substitute.

  11. Can this be drank at room temp throughout the day? Or only recommended once a day in the morning? I made it just now with hot water and really enjoy the taste.

  12. Just a suggestion/modification to make this a little more 'user-friendly' or to make big batches (or for those of us who may not want the actual pieces of ginger floating in the water – it's a texture thing) – you can always do an infused water. It may not give 100 percent of the benefits that this does, though I would imagine it would have to be close – and if nothing else it makes your water yummier so you're more inclined to drink it. You can simply slice your lemon and your ginger then either tie them in a piece of mesh or cheesecloth and drop them into the water or get an infuser pitcher (I got a plastic one at Target last summer for about $7).

    This works great for all kinds of flavors, too. One of my favorites that I kept my fridge stocked with last summer was Orange-Strawberry-Mint. Yummy!

    1. It would be better not to use plastic, think of the free radicals in plastic especially cheap plastic, best to use glass where you can, I’m not sure about metal, though.

  13. I discovered this recipe (in a magazine) last summer. I made it in a large mason jar and took it to picnics, where I wanted something to drink but didn't want to drink soda or alcohol. (I kept it cold, rather than at room temperature.) I found it to be a nice alternative on a hot day. You can filter out the solids, although I like eating the ginger! BTW consider adding some of the lemon zest.

  14. I came across this recipe today. I started on Monday just drinking iced lemon water. With fresh squeezed lemon slices. I haven't done any excising this week to go along with this. I have noticed that my stomach is slimming down. I have no ginger root here as I would love to try this recipe out. The only thing close to ginger that I have here is Ginger Powder used for baking. I do plan on adding exercising in with what I have been doing. I feel better and I have noticed I have been sleeping better at night as well. I have been drinking 1 24oz. a day sometimes two glasses.

    1. If you heat the water with the ginger powder and pour it over ice you can use it. That's great that about the lemon water.

  15. I dont know if I made it right, the color is very whitish, murkyish, and the taste is VERY subtle, like little to no lemon, and no ginger.

  16. Do you have to peel the skin off of the ginger before grating it or is the skin supposed to stay on?

    1. Lainie, You don't have to peel the ginger as you are just squeezing the grated pieces for the juice.

    1. Carla, This drink is while you are doing one of our detoxes or following an eating plan. You can drink this for however long you would like a long with a healthy clean eating plan.

  17. If this should be drank at room temperature, is there any problem with preparing two days worth and leaving it out?

    1. Sheri, There should be no problem doing that for two days. Room temperature is good, but if you prefer you can have this hot as a tea or cold.

  18. hi, i'd like to know for exactly how much is 1 12-ounce glass water? I'm sorry but I don't have a concept about 1 12 ounce..

    1. Mari, Yes, you certainly can. Boiling the ginger brings out a lot of spicy ginger flavor and makes the drink stronger. Be aware that the white pith in the lemon might create a bitter flavor when cooked, though. You may want to squeeze in the lemon at the end.

    1. Gloria, Yes, grating the ginger on a box (cheese) grater, on a ginger grater, or in the food processor and then squeezing the juice into the drink will work also.

  19. Tim how much time can u see the weight/inch loss results if I do it once a day?

    Also is there any after effect throughout the day like- loose motions or vomiting or stomach ache? Coz I’m planning to drink it in the morning and then go to office.

  20. I have rallied 5 of my work collegues to start this 3 day detox program. Looking forward to it. Any suggestions to substitute banana.

    1. That’s great, Mary! This particular recipe doesn’t contain banana. Were you referring to one of our smoothie recipes?

    1. Drinking it on an empty stomach certainly wouldn’t hurt, but this drink can be enjoyed throughout they day. 🙂

      1. Thanks ? you answered the second question I was going to ask which was if I can drink it throughout the day.

  21. Can I use this for loosing belly fat in a week because I really have to loose by belly fat ASAP for an upcoming event next week

    1. We can’t think of any reason why this recipe would not be safe for breastfeeding moms, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before making any dietary changes while nursing.

  22. Hi
    Just wondering how much time can u see the weight/inch loss results if I do it once a day? As i have only started it yearerdy and quite like the taste really means i can have it everyday?

    1. Sara, Hmmmm…that depends on many variables, for example, what and how much you eat the remainder of each day, your current size and weight, etc.. Eat clean, use portion control, and exercise on a regular basis, in addition to drinking this delicious Lemon Ginger Detox Drink and you should see a significant difference. Keep us posted! 🙂

  23. Hi can I include the lemon and fresh ginger in the Greens First mixer? And will it have the same results or should be drank separate.

  24. My chef/son freezes ginger root. Makes it easy to peal with a vegie pealer, and also in grating it!

  25. how much ginger and how much lemon in a 28oz cup? Do I need to boiled the water first or can I use temperature water?

  26. I have a question, iam an adult of 19 years old and have a weight of almost 80+ kg, i want to use this detox water regularly, can i do this?,and to which extent,i can move on using it??,what are the precautions? Kindly answer thr auestion…thanks

    1. Hi Mariam!

      The ingredients in this recipe (ginger, lemon, and water) are all safe to consume while pregnant. Ginger is also known to help with morning sickness! However, if you’re unsure if something is safe it’s always best to check with your doctor.

  27. Once the ginger sits in the water for a few minutes should I strain it out.? It seemed to be alot of ginger to ingest.

    1. The idea is to ingest the whole section, but if you aren’t a fan of ginger, we’d recommend straining a little out first.

  28. I’M doing this diet it’s called Diet of Hope. It’s under the supervision of the doctors. There is only two in Tucson Arizona and in Mexico. I have been with this program since May 2016 and I have lost 24 pounds but can’t seem to lose the stomach cause I can’t go to the bathroom like I should. I have shoulder problems and is taking a lot of pain meds that keeps me constipated and I can’t do exercises cause I can’t hardly use my arms and lower back pain. So is this something that I can do to lose the stomach weight. So what do you recommend.

    1. Gloria, This drink is super healthy but there are many factors that go into losing fat, i.e., eating healthy, portion control, cardio, etc. 🙂

  29. I’m eating portion control but not having success with the stomach weight loss but I’ll try it and hope that I can lose some of the stomach weight loss. Thanks for the info. I’ll let you know how it works out for the stomach weight loss.

  30. Is it important to drink the grated ginger or does drinking the ginger infused water give you the same benefits (leaving all the chunks at the bottom of the glass)?

    1. Hi Chris,

      No need to drink the chunks! The infused water will still have the benefits. You can eat the ginger chunks if you’d like!

    1. Yes – you can add honey. Be sure to use pure honey as this has the most benefit! Local pure honey would be best.

    1. If the morning hours don’t work for you, this drink will still offer detox benefits when consumed at any other time of day.

  31. l have just read all your notes and l am going to have a go at this, l am 19st– 7lbs, will get back to you in 28 days see how it help me, thank you for all your notes, tommy l am 68 why not

  32. I started the lemon ginger detox water about 1 week ago once first thing in the morning, I have noticed my stomach has been bloated the last 2 days . Is this a normal side effect?

  33. Hi ! I prepare my drink before bed… I do grated ginger a couple lemon slices, cucumber and mint, and leave it in fridge overnight and drink the next day at work… is that ok , will it still benefit me ?

  34. Guess what! I fouND already minced ginger in a squeeze bottle wow! U can easily just squirt some lemon juice and ginger in a wate bottle and go about your day…I added some raw honey too…not bad not bad…very refeshing

  35. Can I use bottled lemon juice to make this easier every morning? I can buy organic pure. Do you think it changes the value of it not using the fresh cut lemon?

  36. I started drinking this 4 months ago. I found it one day I was looking for a easy detox. I stopped drinking pop period. I eat out less often and sweets are to feed the crave and move on. I drunk it every morning with a banana. I have lost 3 sizes in pants and started working out since then. I hope this helps and gives people motivation to try it before they say it doesn’t work. We ate all different and I wish you all the best in your efforts.

  37. I left my ginger n lemon drink overnight in my room (cold temperature)can I still consume in the morning at 5am. Thank you

    1. Sandra, Going forward, it always tastes best when made fresh. Most importantly, keep in mind that nutrients and health benefits are the most potent when freshly made.

      1. I tried these detox drinks and works perfectly. It helps me to feel better and looks better. I also recommend everyone to try these recipes at least one time.

        Thanks for sharing these recipes.

  38. hy
    please I want to Slim down small
    and I hope this remedy will help

    but please can I blend both the ginger and lemon?
    And then strain it and refrigerate it
    but if I can refrigerate it, can I blend both and then drink the filtrate??

  39. I have pure raw organic honey, but I’m not sure on how much to use with the lemon and ginger drink? Also do I just slice cucumbers into the drink if I want?

  40. I’m confused on the grated ginger.. is it grated directly into the water and you drink/chew the bits? Or I read somewhere randomly in the comments that you grate and then squeeze the grated ginger for the juice… then throw away gratings or toss gratings into drink and drink/chew then? Could you be a bit more specific on what to do with the ginger exactly.. thank you!

    1. Priyanaka, you grate the ginger into the water and drink it. You don’t have to discard the pieces.

  41. Please is it safe to drink on an empty stomach? Since lemon has high acidic content I wanted to make sure

    1. Lemon is safe but it has to be up to you, regarding how it affects your stomach. Consider trying it and then decide if you want to continue.

  42. I am 78 years young and suffer from Osteoarthritus, I have one glass of root ginger and lemon each day, will this agrivate this condition, also is it safe to drink this every day. Thank you

    1. Val, Please check with your doctor to be sure. Lemon and ginger are both antioxidants and super healthy, so hopefully you’ll be able to continue
      with this drink daily, if your dr gives the go ahead. 🙂

      1. Do I mix this detox drink in an 8oz glass or bigger? Also how much ginger and lemon do I put in and can I use bottle water to do it ? Thanks

        1. Juanita, The amount for each ingredient is listed in the recipe. For example, use 12 ounces water or 1 1/2 cups.

  43. can you suggest me something how to lose my belly fat… i m doing exercise but it takes time to show result…. i need to lose 3-4 inch or 3-5 kg
    help out…

    1. Hi, Jan. Yes, although it’s always preferable to use fresh lemon juice it’s okay to use the lemon juice from the plastic bottle in a pinch. Thanks!

    1. Just be sure to brush your teeth soon afterwards. You might also check with your dentist if you’re concerned. I’ve never had an issue and just visited the dentist.

    1. Bob, Fresh anything is best. However, ground ginger will work in a pinch, 1/4 teaspoon should be good.

    1. Tina, I recommend 1 daily. I personally, have had a cup almost daily for a few years. I drink it more for the health benefits.

  44. Hello, SkinnyMs.
    I really appreciate your blog post especially (Lemon Ginger Detox Drink) which is really helpful to me.

  45. I’m going to do the 3 night detox starting today. Can I also add to green tea as cool refreshing drink daily

  46. Hello. I want to ask how I can use water at room temperature to prepare the detox. Because am in a boarding school and have no access to hot or lukewarm water. And also can I use ginger powder because I won’t be able to get raw ginger. If so .how can I use it with water at room temperature. Thanks .

  47. Tips for the Lemon Ginger Drink

    Read the directions thoroughly. Then, reread them again. Doing this very important step, combined with a bit of common sense, will set you up for success.

    If you are still unsure about any aspects of preparing or consuming this drink, go to the comment section. Read the comments section. You would be surprised at the wealth of information contained there, as well as many of the same questions asked numerous times, and so graciously answered.

    Nicole, Thank You for sharing this wonderful drink recipe! One question though…can I drink it on a Thursday at 3:47 in the afternoon while staring directly at the sun if I plan on having Vegan Tacos the following Tuesday at 6:13 while wearing a feather boa? Will that cause me to spontaneously combust? 😉

    1. I recommend leaving in the fridge. You can pour in a glass the night before and leave at room temperature.

  48. This drink sounds good I like the ginger and lemon combination but can you drink this cold? With ice? The recipe says room temperature water.

  49. Hi, I was wondering. Do I drink the Lemon Ginger Drink before my pre-workout drink? Or drink my pre-workout drink, then workout and then drink that after?

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