Ginger beer
is a refreshing beverage that can be brewed at home.
Ginger beer is a fizzy beverage that is popular with kids and adults alike. Contrary to the name, ginger beer contains no alcohol but it is delicious when mixed with alcohol or enjoyed over ice as-is. There are many commercial brands on store shelves, but it is simple and rewarding to make your own at home. From start to finish, your homemade ginger beer will be ready to consume in approximately two weeks.
Instructions
1. Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a pot on the stove. Use a large pot with a lid in order to facilitate a quicker boil. A plate or sheet tray can be used to cover the pot if a matching lid is not available.
2. Mix ½ cup warm water with 3/4 cup sugar in a bowl and stir until it dissolves. Sprinkle ½ tsp. yeast over this mixture and set it aside. Powdered baker's yeast is ideal to use in this application due to its ability to activate quickly and because it is easy to find in stores.
3. Peel the ginger root and chop it into small pieces. The pieces do not need to be uniform in size because they will be infused into the water and not consumed directly. Combine the pieces of ginger, the cloves and the anise and tie into a sachet with the cheesecloth. A large tea ball can also be used to steep the ingredients. Place into the boiling water and boil for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the sachet and allow the mixture to cool to a tepid temperature. Slowly stir in the sugar syrup. Cover the pot loosely and allow the liquid to cool for an additional hour.
5. Pour the cooled mixture into a 2 liter bottle using the funnel and add water if necessary to bring the mixture to within an inch from the top of the bottle. Screw on the cap and allow the bottle to sit undisturbed on the counter for 24 hours. This allows pressure to build up and carbonation to form. Place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.
6. Remove the ginger beer from the refrigerator, and pour it into ice-filled glasses.
Tags: beverage that, ginger beer, Ginger beer, water boil
