Name: Candied Ginger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 d 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sliced ginger, 1/8" thick; 2 cups water; 2.5 cups granulated sugar, separated

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Candied ginger is easy to make and great as candy or for garnishing cocktails and desserts. You only need a few ingredients!

I started out with the idea to make candied ginger when I was playing around with Moscow mule garnishes.

Store-bought would have been fine, but that’s not how we do things.

“Homemade or go home,” I say. Or something like that.

The sweet and spicy combination of homemade crystalized ginger is my new favorite!

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How To Make Candied Ginger

Start by peeling the ginger. This can be a BIG PAIN in booty.

I would recommend checking out this tutorial if you need some tips.

When I’m in a hurry I will just slice the peel off with a knife but usually I go with the spoon method.

After the ginger has been peeled, it’s time to slice.

If you are using the candied ginger to garnish a cocktail, strips are better. If for candy or other uses, then cut it into thin rounds.

ginger boiling in a pot of distilled water and sugar

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan and then add the fresh ginger pieces.

Simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes.

Then drain the ginger using a colander – save the syrup!

Toss the ginger in sugar and let it dry and cool on a cooling rack.

And that’s it.

Well, there may be a little more to do but detailed instructions are in the recipe card.

straining softened, cooked ginger over a colander and bowl

What Tools Do I Need?

A medium pot, mesh strainer or colander, and a bowl are the basics.

A mandolin is my favorite tool for slicing fresh ginger.

You will want to slice the ginger around a ⅛″ and using a mandolin will make more consistently sized pieces.

Be careful though – mandolins are very sharp.

You will also need a drying rack – a cooling rack for baked goods works perfectly.

Place the rack on top of a sheet of parchment paper for easy cleanup.

How long does homemade candied ginger last?

I recommend storing the dried candied ginger in an airtight container (like a mason jar.)

The store bought version will last for several months; the homemade version is preservative free so only lasts 2-3 weeks.

Different Ways to Use Candied Ginger

a quick snack or dessert
a garnish for a Moscow mule or other ginger cocktail
to top a cake, cookie, or cupcake

Cocktails That Need to Be Garnished with Candied Ginger

Candied Ginger

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Rest Time: 1 day

Total Time: 1 day 1 hour

Candied ginger is easy to make and great as candy or for garnishing cocktails or desserts. You only need a few ingredients!

Ingredients

1 cup sliced ginger, ⅛" thick
2 cups water
2.5 cups granulated sugar, separated

Instructions

In a medium-sized pot bring, 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar to a boil. When boiling, add the ginger and reduce heat to a simmer for 45 minutes..
Place a colander over a bowl and drain the mixture. Reserve the syrup for other uses.
Place a cooling rack over a sheet of parchment paper. Add the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a medium, clean bowl and toss softened ginger in the sugar. Place the sugar-covered ginger on the cooling rack. Let dry overnight, then place in an airtight container.

How To Make Candied Ginger