Ginger beer is one of those old-school drinks that still hits hard today. It’s spicy, sweet, a little funky, and refreshingly different from the stuff you grab off a soda shelf. Best of all, real ginger beer is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and some patience. Here’s everything you need to know.
First, clear this up: ginger beer isn’t the same as ginger ale. Ginger ale is a mild, carbonated soft drink. Ginger beer is deeper — fermented, spicier, and slightly alcoholic (though you can control that). It’s been around since the 1700s, originally brewed in England. Back then, it packed a punch. Today, homemade versions can be as bold or as light as you want.
Here’s a quick printable ginger beer recipe — clean and straight to the point:
Homemade Ginger Beer Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4–6 inch piece fresh ginger (2–3 tbsp grated)
- 1 cup sugar (white or raw)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 5 cups water
Instructions:
- Prepare Ginger: Peel and finely grate the ginger.
- Make Syrup: In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in sugar and grated ginger. Turn off heat. Add lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature.
- Add Yeast: Once cool (under 100°F/38°C), stir in yeast.
- Bottle It: Pour into a clean 2-liter plastic bottle. Add 3 more cups water, leaving 1 inch of space. Seal tightly.
- Ferment: Leave at room temperature for 24–48 hours. When the bottle feels firm, it’s ready.
- Refrigerate: Chill to stop fermentation. Open slowly. Strain if desired. Serve cold.
Tips:
- Check pressure by squeezing the bottle.
- Shorter fermentation = less alcohol.
- For extra flavor, add cinnamon or cloves to the syrup.
