Ginger Ale Recipe
Make Ginger Ale Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Ginger Syrup
To Finish the Ginger Ale
Method
Ginger Syrup
- 1
Prepare the ginger
Peel the fresh ginger and slice it thinly or grate it. Thinner pieces or grated ginger extract more flavor quickly. Measure out 1 cup by loosely packing the slices or grated ginger into a measuring cup.
- 2
Combine and simmer
In a small saucepan combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and the prepared ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- 3
Extract flavor
Lower the heat and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. Taste occasionally — longer simmering gives a stronger, spicier syrup. If you prefer very spicy ginger ale, simmer up to 20 minutes.
- 4
Infuse and cool
Remove the pan from the heat and let the ginger steep in the syrup for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to deepen the flavor. Stir in the optional 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice while still warm if using; this brightens the flavor.
- 5
Strain and store
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle, pressing on the solids to extract liquid. Discard the solids. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Syrup will keep 2–3 weeks refrigerated.
Assembling the Ginger Ale
- 6
Prepare glassware
Fill 4 tall glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per glass; total 2 cups). If using mint, lightly slap the leaves between your palms to release aroma and place 2 leaves in each glass.
- 7
Measure syrup
Add 1/4 cup ginger syrup to each glass (adjust 2–4 tablespoons to taste for a single serving). For a lighter drink, use less syrup; for a sweeter/spicier drink, use more.
- 8
Top with soda
Slowly pour 1 cup cold club soda or sparkling water into each glass over the back of a spoon or down the side to preserve carbonation. Stir gently once to combine.
- 9
- 10
Batch method (optional)
To make a larger batch for a pitcher, combine 1 cup ginger syrup with 4 cups chilled club soda in a pitcher, add ice or chill before serving, and stir gently. Keep syrup refrigerated and add soda just before serving to maintain fizz.