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Ginger Beer (Ale)
When I was growing up, there were small stores scattered
throughout the piedmont and the mountains on roads that were
built to follow the contours of the hills. Most of them had one or two
icebox type of units that held small drinks like cokes, Nehi orange
drinks, and my favorite, ginger ale. It was presented in a small
green bottle and on a hot day you couldn't beat it! Although ginger
ale is still sold, it doesn't taste even close to the original. My recipe is
simple and not made with any form of yeast. It can be done with
kefir, but this is an easy way to do it with just four ingredients.
FYI, I have never had two batches of Ginger Beer turn out to be the
same color; it depends on the sugar and the ginger. The color
shown above is the most common. And it's okay if it's a little cloudy
as well.
About the Ingredients:
• Water-Use filtered water if possible. It really does make a
difference. Tap water has too many chemicals.
• Ginger-I always use the freshest ginger available. The youngest
ginger rhizomes give the best flavor!
• Limes-Seem to work better than lemons in this recipe.
• Brown Sugar-It doesn't matter whether it's light or dark; both will
work.
KEYWORDS
ginger beer recipe, best ginger beer recipe
Ginger Beer (Ale)
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Ingredients
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• 1½ quarts water (3 pints)
• ½ pound fresh ginger, peeled and grated
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• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ½ cup brown sugar, organic if possible
You will need a medium saucepan and a 2 quart jar with a lid.
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Instructions
1. In the saucepan, pour in the water and bring to a boil; remove
from heat and add the grated ginger; stir, cover and let sit
overnight to steep.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, squeezing the ginger to
release all the liquid. Pour the liquid into the jar; add the lime
juice and sugar, stir until sugar is dissolved.
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3. Put the lid on the jar, set aside at room temperature and let it
steep for 24 hours. During this time you will notice some fine
particles (dregs) settling to the bottom. This is normal.
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4. Pour into other containers (I like flip-top bottles) and secure the
top. Refrigerate for 2 days before using for better flavor. Use
within 5 days. Pour over ice and enjoy!
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