Why Everyone in China Starts Their Morning With This Drink
Why Everyone in China Starts Their Morning With This Drink is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 35 calories per serving. Recipe by Sara Jane Ho on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 28 min
Cost: $3.00 total, $1.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 100 grams Fresh Ginger Root (peeled and sliced thinly)
- 6 pieces Red Dates (Jujube) (pitted and sliced open)
- 1 tablespoon Goji Berries (rinsed)
- 1 piece Dried Orange Peel (broken into small strips)
- 4 cups Water (filtered)
- 1 teaspoon Honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Wash the ginger, peel it, and slice it thinly. Rinse the red dates, remove pits and cut them open. Rinse the goji berries and break the dried orange peel into small strips.
Time: PT5M
Boil Water
Add 4 cups of filtered water to the saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Infuse the Herbs
Once boiling, add the sliced ginger, opened red dates, goji berries, and orange peel. Reduce heat to low and let simmer, partially covered, for 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 90°C
Strain and Serve
Remove the pot from heat. Strain the liquid into a bowl or cup, discarding the solids. Add honey if desired and stir.
Time: PT2M
Quick Shortcut (Optional)
If short on time, fill a clean hot water bottle with freshly boiled water, add the prepared ingredients, seal, and let steep for 5‑10 minutes before straining.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 35
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Ginger Root: Fresh Turmeric (for flavor)
- Instead of Red Dates (Jujube): Dried Apricots, Dried Figs
- Instead of Goji Berries: Cranberries (for color)
- Instead of Dried Orange Peel: Fresh Orange Zest
- Instead of Honey: Agave Syrup
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Bowl
- Ladle (optional)
- Hot Water Bottle (optional)
- Measuring Cup (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the water to ensure proper extraction
- Simmering the ginger and herbs for adequate infusion
- Straining before drinking to remove solid pieces
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, firm ginger for the brightest flavor.
- Break the dried orange peel into smaller pieces to release its essential oils faster.
- Cover the pot while simmering to retain heat and aroma.
Troubleshooting
Drink is too spicy.
Reduce the amount of ginger or use a younger, milder root.
Flavor is too bitter.
Add a touch more honey or a small piece of fresh orange zest to balance bitterness.
Drink is not sweet enough.
Increase the number of red dates or add a natural sweetener such as maple syrup.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover drink in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may change.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours, but best consumed warm.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice ginger and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pre‑measure dried red dates, goji berries, and orange peel in a small zip‑top bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hot ginger water in Chinese traditional medicine?
Hot ginger water has been used for centuries in China as a warming yang tonic. It is believed to improve circulation, warm the body in the morning, and alleviate cold hands and feet, making it a staple health drink across Chinese households.
Why are red dates added to hot ginger water in Chinese cuisine?
Red dates, or jujubes, are prized for their blood‑nourishing properties. In Chinese medicine they balance the warming effect of ginger, add natural sweetness, and support hormonal health, especially during menstruation.
What benefits do goji berries bring to this Chinese medicinal drink?
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and compounds that support eye health, liver and kidney function, and skin vitality. Adding them to ginger water creates a synergistic tonic for overall wellness.
How is dried orange peel traditionally used in Chinese health drinks?
Dried orange peel, known as Chen Pi, has been used for thousands of years to regulate qi, aid digestion, and provide a fragrant, vitamin‑C‑rich boost. Its inclusion in ginger water adds a citrus aroma and additional antioxidant benefits.
When is the best time of day to drink hot ginger water according to Chinese tradition?
Chinese tradition recommends drinking hot ginger water in the morning to awaken circulation. It is avoided at night because ginger is a warming yang food and can disturb the yin‑focused rest period.
What occasions or celebrations in Chinese culture feature hot ginger water?
Hot ginger water is commonly served during cold seasons, after childbirth, and on days when women experience menstrual discomfort. It is also gifted during family gatherings as a sign of care and health.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with hot ginger water?
This warming drink pairs nicely with light breakfast items such as congee, steamed buns, or a simple vegetable stir‑fry, as it prepares the digestive system for the day ahead.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hot ginger water at home?
Common errors include boiling the ginger for too long, which can make the drink overly bitter, and using too much ginger, resulting in excessive spiciness. Also, neglecting to cover the pot during simmering reduces flavor extraction.
How do I know when the hot ginger water infusion is done?
After 8 minutes of simmering, the water should have a fragrant ginger aroma, a slight amber hue from the dates, and a gentle sweetness. Taste a sip; if the flavor is balanced and not overly sharp, it is ready.
What does the YouTube channel Sara Jane Ho specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sara Jane Ho focuses on modern interpretations of traditional Asian cuisine, emphasizing health‑focused recipes, cultural storytelling, and elegant presentation for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Sara Jane Ho's approach to Chinese medicinal drinks differ from other cooking channels?
Sara Jane Ho blends scientific nutrition insights with centuries‑old Chinese medicine principles, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials and cultural context, whereas many other channels treat such drinks as simple teas without deeper explanation.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
