Homemade ginger beer is so different from commercial versions that you just have to try it. Unlike other home brews, it only needs to ferment for 24 hours, making it the perfect choice for those crazy weekends when the whole family decides to visit!
Prep time: 45 minutes (+ 1 day fermenting time)
Makes: 5 litres
Ingredients
- 5 litres water
- 250g fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 4 lemons or limes, peeled and juiced (retain the peel and pips)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 5 slices fresh pineapple
- 300g sugar
- 1 sachet (10 g) instant dry yeast
Method
- In a large pot, combine the water with the fresh ginger, lemon or lime, peel and pips, cinnamon sticks, cloves and pineapple. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Set aside until cool, then add the sugar and instant yeast. Stir well and cover loosely with a lid or clean cloth.
- Set aside in a warm place for 1 day to ferment.
- Strain and decant into clean containers. Check for sweetness; if necessary, add small quantities of sugar syrup (see below) and stir well. Place in the fridge to chill before serving.
TOP TIP: to make a simple sugar syrup, dissolve 1 cup white sugar in 1 cup (250ml) warm water over low heat, stirring all the time. Allow to cool, then add to the ginger beer in small quantities, tasting as you go.
HOT GINGER, HONEY AND LEMON DRINK
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
- 500ml homemade ginger beer
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 slice of lemon
METHOD
- Place all the ingredients in a pot over medium heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain into a mug and drink hot. (You can reheat it in the microwave if necessary).
Sidebar:
Ginger Beer Cocktails
MOSCOW MULE
1 shot Vodka
½ shot fresh lime juice
Fill the glass with ginger beer
RUM SWIZZLE
1½ shots dark rum
1 shot triple sec juice
½ shot fresh lemon juice
Fill the glass with ginger beer
IRISH MULE
2 shots Irish whiskey
½ shot fresh lime juice
Fill the glass with ginger beer
