Ginger beer is a refreshing drink that is perfect for summer afternoons or evening barbecues. It has a unique taste that combines the sweetness of sugar with the spiciness of ginger. While ginger beer is usually an alcoholic drink, it can also be made non-alcoholic. In this article, we will discuss how to make non-alcoholic ginger beer at home.
In this guide, we will be discussing how to make non-alcoholic ginger beer in the comfort of your own home. Ginger beer is a refreshing carbonated beverage made from ginger and other ingredients, and is perfect for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy a cold glass of homemade ginger beer whenever you want. So, let’s get started!
Ginger Beer Ingredients
The first step in making non-alcoholic ginger beer is to gather the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need:
1. Ginger
Ginger is the most important ingredient in ginger beer. You will need fresh ginger root, which can be found in most supermarkets. The amount of ginger you need will depend on how spicy you want your ginger beer to be. Typically, you will need around 2-3 ounces of ginger root.
2. Sugar
You will also need sugar to sweeten your ginger beer. You can use any type of sugar, but white granulated sugar is the most common. You will need around 1 cup of sugar.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is added to ginger beer to give it a tangy flavor. You will need around ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
4. Water
You will need around 8 cups of water to make ginger beer.
5. Yeast
Yeast is added to ginger beer to make it fizzy. You can use either active dry yeast or champagne yeast. You will need around 1 teaspoon of yeast.
Making Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it is time to make non-alcoholic ginger beer. Here are the steps you need to follow:
One key takeaway from this text is that non-alcoholic ginger beer can be made at home using fresh ginger root, sugar, lemon juice, water, and yeast. It is important to use fresh ginger root and glass bottles to handle the pressure of the fermentation process. Experimenting with flavors by adding fruits or herbs can also add uniqueness to the flavor.
1. Grate the Ginger
The first step is to grate the ginger root. You can use a cheese grater or a food processor. Grate until you have around 2-3 ounces of ginger.
2. Boil the Ginger
Next, add the grated ginger to a large pot with 8 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for around 30 minutes.
3. Strain the Ginger
After simmering for 30 minutes, strain the ginger from the liquid. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
4. Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
Add 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of lemon juice to the ginger liquid. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Cool the Mixture
Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
6. Add Yeast
Once the mixture has cooled, add 1 teaspoon of yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
7. Bottle the Mixture
Pour the mixture into bottles. You can use plastic bottles or glass bottles. Leave around 1 inch of space at the top of the bottle.
8. Let the Mixture Ferment
Let the bottles sit at room temperature for around 24-48 hours. The longer you let the bottles sit, the fizzier the ginger beer will be.
9. Refrigerate the Ginger Beer
After the ginger beer has fermented, refrigerate the bottles. This will stop the fermentation process and make the ginger beer cold and refreshing.
Tips for Making Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making non-alcoholic ginger beer:
1. Use Fresh Ginger
Make sure to use fresh ginger root. Powdered ginger will not give the same flavor.
2. Use Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are better than plastic bottles because they can handle the pressure of the fermentation process.
3. Don’t Overfill the Bottles
Leave around 1 inch of space at the top of the bottle to allow for the fermentation process.
4. Adjust the Ginger and Sugar Levels
Adjust the amount of ginger and sugar to your taste preferences.
5. Experiment with Flavors
You can experiment with different flavors by adding fruits or herbs to the ginger beer.
FAQs – How to Make Non Alcoholic Ginger Beer at Home
What is non alcoholic ginger beer?
Non alcoholic ginger beer is a carbonated drink made from fermented ginger, sugar, and water. It has a spicy and sweet taste, and it is a great alternative to alcoholic beverages for those who do not drink or prefer not to drink.
How do I make my own non alcoholic ginger beer at home?
To make non alcoholic ginger beer at home, you will need fresh ginger, sugar, water, a lemon, and active dry yeast. First, you need to peel and grate the ginger, then add it to a pot with water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer until the sugar dissolves. Then, let it cool to room temperature, add the juice of a lemon and yeast, and stir. Pour the mixture into a bottle, seal it, and let it ferment for two to three days at room temperature. Once ready, transfer it to the fridge to chill before serving.
How long does it take to make non alcoholic ginger beer at home?
It takes about two to three days to make non alcoholic ginger beer at home. You need to let the mixture ferment for at least two days at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to chill before serving.
Can I make non alcoholic ginger beer without yeast?
Yes, you can make non alcoholic ginger beer without yeast. Instead of using yeast, you can use ginger bug, which is a natural starter culture of yeasts and bacteria that feed on sugar and ginger. To make the bug, mix fresh ginger, sugar, and water, then let it sit at room temperature for a few days until it becomes bubbly and smells yeasty. You can use this bug to make your ginger beer instead of yeast.
How long does non alcoholic ginger beer last?
Homemade non alcoholic ginger beer can last for up to two weeks in the fridge. However, the longer it stays in the fridge, the less carbonated it becomes. It is best to consume it within a week for the best taste and carbonation.