Homemade Ginger Beer

Homemade Ginger Beer
Homemade Ginger Beer
Unlike supermarket ginger ales, which are made with carbonated water, corn syrup, and ginger flavoring, this spicy ginger beer is made the old-fashioned way, with lots of fresh grated ginger, sugar, yeast, and water. As the yeast ferments over a day or so, it creates a natural carbonation. Though many recipes leave the ginger sediment as is, we think straining it out produces a more refined quaff. For a different route to a similar drink, go to Homemade Ginger Ale.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes about 2 quarts
Ginger Cocktail Party Backyard BBQ Poker/Game Night Chill Lemon Juice Gourmet Drink
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

Preparation Grate enough ginger using Microplane to measure 3 1/2 tablespoons, then put in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl to collect juice, pressing on solids and then discarding. Place funnel in neck of bottle and pour in 3 tablespoons ginger juice (reserve any remaining for another use). Add sugar, lemon juice, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Fill bottle with water, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of space at top. Remove funnel and screw cap on tightly. Gently shake bottle to dissolve sugar. Let stand at room temperature until plastic feels hard and no longer indents when squeezed, 24 to 36 hours. Chill ginger beer until very cold. CooksÂ’ note:Ginger beer keeps, chilled, 1 week.

Preparation Grate enough ginger using Microplane to measure 3 1/2 tablespoons, then put in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl to collect juice, pressing on solids and then discarding. Place funnel in neck of bottle and pour in 3 tablespoons ginger juice (reserve any remaining for another use). Add sugar, lemon juice, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Fill bottle with water, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of space at top. Remove funnel and screw cap on tightly. Gently shake bottle to dissolve sugar. Let stand at room temperature until plastic feels hard and no longer indents when squeezed, 24 to 36 hours. Chill ginger beer until very cold. CooksÂ’ note:Ginger beer keeps, chilled, 1 week.