English Ginger Beer
Ginger Beer is a refreshing, fizzy, and spicy homemade beverage that has its origins from colonial America and is made by fermenting ginger spice, sugar, water, and lemon juice. The process of creating ginger beer involves a simple fermentation that bacteria and yeast perform, which results in carbonated and mildly alcoholic drink, though non-alcoholic versions are also common today. The drink is characterized by its strong ginger kick, tang of lemon, and the balance of sweetness with a spicy edge, making it both invigorating and flavorful. Enjoy it as a cool, standalone summer drink or mix it into cocktails for an extra zing. Description by ChatGPT.
Experience the joy of crafting your own fizzy, spicy, and utterly refreshing ginger beer right at home with this straightforward recipe. Ideal for hot summer days or as a unique homemade gift, this ginger beer recipe requires no special equipment and is sure to impress with its natural flavor and effervescence.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml water (for the initial mixture)
- 1.5 liters water (for diluting)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 unwaxed lemon, sliced
- 300 grams golden caster sugar
- 15 grams fresh ginger, chopped (do not peel)
- 3/4 teaspoon dry yeast
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Strainer/Sieve
- Funnel (if available)
- Bottle(s) - plastic mineral water bottles work well
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Over 24 hours (including fermentation time)
Servings: Varies depending on bottle size
Instructions:
1. Pour 750ml of water into a large pot.
2. Add the cream of tartar.
3. Slice the lemon into thick slices and add to the pot.
4. Stir in the golden caster sugar.
5. Chop the ginger into small pieces, leaving the skin on to preserve the flavor, and add it to the pot.
6. Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a simmer, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
7. After simmering for about 5 minutes, turn off the heat.
8. Add 1.5 liters of cold water to the mixture to cool it down. This step is crucial because yeast does not tolerate high temperatures.
9. Sprinkle the yeast over the cooled mixture and give it a quick stir.
10. Cover the pot with a lid and leave it to sit overnight.
11. The next day, prepare your bottles by ensuring they are clean.
12. Strain the ginger beer into the bottles using a strainer or funnel with a sieve to filter out any solids.
13. Leave about four fingers' worth of space at the top of each bottle to allow gas to accumulate without the risk of explosion.
14. Seal the bottles tightly with their lids.
15. Store the sealed bottles in a cool, dark place for 2 to 6 days. The exact time will depend on environmental factors.
16. Check the bottles each morning by gently unscrewing the cap to release any built-up pressure. When you notice a fizzy sound upon opening, your ginger beer is carbonated and ready to drink.
17. After your ginger beer has reached the desired level of fizziness, transfer the bottles to the refrigerator.
18. Continue to release the pressure each morning to prevent the bottles from exploding.
19. Serve your homemade ginger beer chilled with ice and a slice of lime.
Cooking Tips:
- Use plastic bottles for easy handling and to avoid the danger of glass bottles potentially bursting from carbonation pressure.
- Adjust the ginger quantity to your taste preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Always be cautious when releasing built-up gas from the bottles to avoid spills.
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This recipe is attributed to Hachette Children's Group. For more inspiring recipes and fun activities, visit their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HachetteChildrensGroup
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