Gnamakoudji – Mandinka for Summer Ginger Punch
Here’s a refreshing summer drink I made with all the ginger left over from my project. It’s called Gnamakoudji and pronounced “ni-ya-ma-koo-ji”. Gnamakoudji is a popular thirst quencher in west Africa, where the tropical climate is hot year round. Gnamakou means ginger in Mandinka and dji means water. So together, ginger water. It’s essentially a mint and lemon flavored ginger iced tea with a bold kick.
Ingredients
1.5-2 cups of freshly grated ginger
1.5 liters of water
4 limes or lemons juiced
1 bunch of mint
Orange blossom water
Brown sugar to taste
Place the grated ginger in a pot with 1.5 to 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the mint. Let the ginger and mint steep until the liquid cools down completely.
Once the liquid is cool, strain it into a pitcher. Add the sugar starting with a cup and gradually increasing the quantity until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Add the lime/lemon juice and finish with 3 caps of orange blossom water. This adds a wonderful fragrance to the beverage. Serve ice cold on a hot summer day.
Thrifty Tip: Instantly turn your gnamakoudji into a delicious ginger margarita by adding some tequila. A perfect complement to your summer barbecue. Drink responsibly!
By Raissa Nebie on May 15, 2009 | 0
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