Salabat is a traditional Filipino herbal tea made from ginger root. It is a simple drink that provides warming comfort.
Filipino Ginger Tea
This is one of those recipes you don’t need measurements for. All you really need is water and fresh ginger.
I generally do a ratio of 1 inch ginger for 1 cup water. However, you may add as much ginger as you like. There is no wrong way to make your ginger tea.
Ginger tea is special and unique because of the traditions and memories associated with the beverage. Many Filipinos recall drinking salabat throughout their childhood.
Mothers, grandmothers, and the caretakers commonly make and serve this to their loved ones. The warm drink is believed to be a natural remedy to help sooth sore throats, relieve common colds, and improve digestion.
The tea has a slightly spicy flavor that provides comfort and warmth. I love to make this during the cooler months and especially during rainy days!
Ingredients
There are two main ingredients: water and fresh ginger root. For best results, use cool filtered water.
Fresh ginger and dried ginger are not interchangeable. They vary greatly in flavor and texture.
Recipe Tip
- Fresh ginger is bright, zesty, slightly sweet, and slightly spicy. It’s aromatic and vibrant.
- Dried ginger is warm with deep earthy flavors.
Fresh ginger is best for aromatic ginger flavor such as ginger limeade juice, arroz caldo, and stir fry ginger shrimp. Whereas dried ginger powder is best for baking, spice blends, or dry rubs. Dried ginger is essential for making gingerbread cookies and gingerbread cake.
The remaining ingredients are optional. You may add honey, sugar, or sweetener of choice to the ginger tea. For additional flavor, you may include a squeeze of calamansi juice. Dried cinnamon sticks or fresh turmeric disks may also be added for extra earthiness.
Step by Step Instructions
Recipe Tip
Salabat is traditionally served with a squeeze of calamansi (calamondin) or dayap (key lime). This recipe also works well with lemon, lime, or orange.
Serving Suggestions
Salabat ginger tea is best served warm. It is delicious on its own, and even better when paired with sweet treats like turon, ensaymada, or biko. It’s also delicious along side ube cheese pandesal.
Store leftovers tea in an covered container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy chilled with ice or reheat.
Salabat Filipino Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 2 inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled, cut into disks*
- 2 cups cool filtered water
Optional:
- honey
- granulated sugar, or brown sugar
- calamansi juice , or fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel ginger root. Or, wash skin thoroughly if you prefer to keep skin on. Slice ginger into ¼-inch disks.
- Add ginger and water to a small pot. Bring mixture to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover pot and let ginger steep for 10-15 minutes (depending on desired strength).
- Strain out ginger and pour warm tea into serving cups. If desired, add honey or sweetener. If desired, add calamansi juice or fresh squeeze lemon juice. Reheat tea, if necessary.
Notes
- Steep longer or add more ginger for stronger ginger flavor.
- Adjust sweetness according to your taste preferences.
- Store leftovers tea in an covered container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy chilled or reheat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Love drinking this whenever its rainy!