Tuesday, March 13, 2012

ginger beer - a recipe



I honestly don't know why I bought ginger beer all these years.  After making the super quick ginger syrup, I was on a roll and had to make real ginger beer.  This is so good, tastes like the real thing and has nothing nasty added!!



Here is a really quick and easy how-to.  You will need 1 knob of fresh ginger, about 4 soft drink bottles with lids, 5c white sugar and some lemon juice.
Cut up a knob of unpeeled ginger and put it in a saucepan and cover with water.
Simmer for 15min.  Cool.


Fill your large glass jar with 4.5lt of warm water and 5 cups sugar.
Stir to disolve.


Add in the ginger and stewing water. 
Making sure the water temperature is about 38degC (body temp), add 1/4 tsp bakers yeast.


Cover and set aside for a few hours.


Pour into cleaned soft drink bottles, pop in a sultana or two and squeeze in some lemon juice.  Seal and set aside overnight some place cool.
Bottles should now be ready to drink.




Serve over ice!  Enjoy.

Have you made brewed ginger beer?  How do you do it?

Linking to Friday Food Flicks, Thirty Handmade Days, Make, Grow, Thrift

13 comments:

  1. A really cool post young lady. Love the pictures.

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  2. That looks way to easy to make! I think I may have a go!!!

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    1. Do it!!! It's so easy and tastes really similar to kvass!!

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    2. Trying this today. But I get to the glass jar part. HOW BIG IS YOUR GLASS JAR?!?! The ones I have only hold 2ltr :( and I used one last night for my roasted capsicum. I uses this lots will be rather gingery ;)

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    3. Wait! I just remembered I have a huge cookie jar up in the top cupbaoard! YAY :)

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    4. I'm glad you sorted you glass jar situation!! You could make it in an assortment of smaller jars, or make it directly into the bottles! Make it up as you go, based on the things you have on hand. Good luck. I look forward to tasting some.

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  3. Awesome! I recently made ginger beer, and couldn't believe how fresh and easy it was!

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  4. can't wait to try it. I tried to make a ginger beer starter once - but didn't know it was brewers yeast not bakers. What a mess! For a hot tip can you please let me know how you clean out soft drink or water bottles without them closing up? Cheers

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    1. Hi Jodie. I think you'll find this recipe really easy. No starter, no waiting!! I'm not sure what you mean about the bottles 'closing up'? I use 1.25lt soft drink bottles, rip off the label, half fill with hot water and detergent, close and shake, release lid slowly (the pressure has built up with the hot water), empty and rinse with clean water until no bubbles are left. Stand upside down until dry. I hope this helps?!

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  5. I remember my mum making ginger beer when I was young. The jar with the yeast would sit on the window sill for days until it had fermented. Your recipe seems much easier.

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    1. It is ridiculously easy!! Although after saying that, I must admit that it is not the proper fermented ginger beer which is so much better for you with all the probiotic cultures. Easy one first and I'll try the longer ferment ginger beer later!! Thanks for your comment Jodie. See you round again soon.

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