House Made Ginger Beer Recipe

Ginger Beer Preparation

1. 1

   Prepare the Ginger

   Peel the fresh ginger root and chop it finely or grate it to release its juices. Measure out 1 cup of prepared ginger.

2. 2

   Create the Ginger Syrup

   In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped ginger and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add 2 cups of filtered water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Cool the Syrup

   Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the ginger syrup to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, strain out the ginger pieces using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, and set the syrup aside.

4. 4

   Combine Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, combine the cooled ginger syrup, remaining 2 cups of filtered water, and 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.

5. 5

   Activate the Yeast

   In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast in a few tablespoons of warm water (not boiling) and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

6. 6

   Ferment the Ginger Beer

   Add the activated yeast to the ginger mixture and stir gently to combine. Pour the mixture into clean bottles, leaving some space at the top of each bottle for carbonation. Seal the bottles tightly.

7. 7

   Let it Ferment

   Leave the bottles at room temperature for 24-48 hours to allow fermentation to occur. Check the bottles periodically for carbonation by gently squeezing them; they should feel firm when ready.

8. 8

   Refrigerate

   Once the desired carbonation is reached, place the bottles in the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process.

9. 9

   Serve

   Pour the ginger beer into glasses over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves to taste.