Homemade Ginger Beer the Old-Fashioned Way

Learn how to make homemade ginger beer the old-fashioned way with this easy, organic, electrical-appliance-free recipe for fresh and spicy homemade ginger beer.

The ingredients for this homemade ginger beer recipe are the same as those used in the old-fashioned way of making ginger beer. That means no artificial flavorings, added sugars, or preservatives, and no need for any electrical appliances. This homemade ginger beer recipe uses organic, locally grown, and Fairtrade ingredients and active yeast, to recreate the classic flavors and bubbles of ginger beer. 

We highly recommend trying when and where you can, to buy in-season, locally grown, and fair-trade ingredients. Your homemade ginger beer is going to be tastier, and better for your own health, as well as the health of the planet. 

Homemade Ginger Beer Recipe

Yields: 2 liters 

Ingredients for Ginger Syrup:

• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• ½ cup water 
• 2 tbsp freshly grated organic ginger 

Ingredients for Ginger Beer:

• ⅛ tsp active dry yeast (can sub for brewer’s yeast)
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed organic lemon juice
•  7 cups filtered water 

Instructions:

1. To make the ginger syrup, start by peeling and grating the fresh ginger.
2. Place the ginger, sugar, and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to steep for one hour. 
3. Strain the mixture into a separate bowl and allow it to cool completely. You have now made your ginger syrup. 
4. In a 2-liter glass bottle, funnel in the active dry yeast. Follow by pouring in the homemade ginger syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and filtered water. 
5. Place the lid on the bottle and shake until all the yeast has dissolved. Store your bottle of homemade ginger beer in your pantry, away from direct sunlight, for two to three days. This will give your homemade ginger beer time to fizz up. 
6. Once fizz is achieved, store your bottle of homemade ginger beer in the refrigerator to prevent further fermentation. 

There you have it, you have just made a batch of homemade ginger beer the old-fashioned way. Drink your homemade ginger beer within two weeks.

Note: Do not keep your homemade ginger beer longer than two weeks, as the fermentation process is ongoing. If you haven’t finished it within two weeks, it risks exploding! 

Read more:

• 10 Healthy and Tasty Alternatives to Soda
• Can You Eat Raw Ginger? 6 Things That Happen When You Do
• How to Make Candied Ginger at Home

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Tags: Beverages Food Guide Recipes