Gnamakoudji (Malian Ginger Juice)
In short: A sharp, refreshing drink of fresh ginger blended with water, lemon and sugar, strained and served ice cold, popular on hot days in Mali. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 70 kcal
Gnamakoudji is Mali's ginger juice, sold cold at markets and street corners across the country. Fresh ginger is blended with water, strained, and sweetened with sugar and lemon until it is as sharp and warming as you like. It is a favorite thirst quencher on hot days and is often offered to guests. Make it strong, then dilute it over ice.
Instructions
- Blend the ginger with 500 ml (2 cups) of the water in a blender for 1 to 2 minutes, until the ginger is finely pulped.
- Strain through a fine sieve or a cloth into a pitcher, pressing hard on the pulp to extract all the liquid. Discard the pulp or save it for tea.
- Stir the sugar into the juice until dissolved. Add the lemon juice, the vanilla if using, and the remaining 1 liter of water.
- Taste and adjust: more sugar for sweetness, more lemon for brightness, or less water for more fire.
- Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice, with mint leaves if you like.
Tips
- For a stronger kick, use less water, or add a small piece of fresh pineapple to the blender for a fruity version.
- Let the strained juice stand for 10 minutes, then pour off the clear liquid and leave the starch at the bottom for a clearer drink.
Questions and answers
How long does ginger juice keep?
In a covered bottle in the fridge it keeps for 4 to 5 days. It may separate, so shake it before pouring.
Is gnamakoudji very spicy?
It is warming and sharp rather than chili-hot. Add more water and sugar for a gentler drink.
Can I make it with ground ginger?
Fresh ginger gives a much better flavor. If you only have ground ginger, use 1 1/2 tbsp in 1.5 liters of water, whisk well and strain through a coffee filter.
How long does it take to make Gnamakoudji (Malian Ginger Juice)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gnamakoudji (Malian Ginger Juice)?
About 70 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 70 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
