Natural, Delicious, and Healing Ginger Beer Recipe
Ginger beer is a refreshing, flavorful drink with the added bonus of natural health benefits from ginger. Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, ginger is a wonderful ingredient that can be enjoyed in many forms, and ginger beer is one of the tastiest ways to incorporate it into your diet. This homemade version is all-natural and can be sweetened with sugar or organic honey for a healthier alternative. Whether you’re sipping it on a warm day or using it as a mixer in cocktails, this ginger beer is sure to please your palate while offering some healing benefits.
Ingredients:
- 7 oz (about 1 1/2 cups) ground ginger
- 15.2 fl. oz (about 1 3/4 cups) mineral water
- 8 oz (about 1 cup) sugar (or organic honey as a substitute)
- 3.9 fl. oz (about 1/2 cup) sparkling water
- A few drops of lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
Preparation:
- Simmer the Ginger: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ground ginger and mineral water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step releases the ginger’s natural flavors and health-boosting compounds.
- Strain the Ginger: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the ginger mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl. This will remove any solid ginger pieces, leaving you with a smooth ginger-infused liquid.
- Dissolve the Sweetener: While the ginger liquid is still warm, add the sugar (or honey) and stir until fully dissolved. You can adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste if you prefer a less sweet ginger beer.
- Cool the Mixture: Let the sweetened ginger liquid cool to room temperature. This is an important step, as adding the sparkling water while the mixture is warm could cause it to lose its carbonation.
- Add the Sparkling Water and Lemon Juice: Once the ginger mixture has cooled, stir in the sparkling water and a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavor with a touch of citrus.
- Chill the Ginger Beer: Transfer the ginger beer to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it is fully chilled. The cold temperature will help the flavors meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: When ready to serve, pour the ginger beer over ice and garnish with lemon slices for an extra burst of citrus. Enjoy your natural, delicious, and healing ginger beer!
Health Benefits of Ginger:
- Anti-inflammatory: Ginger contains powerful compounds like gingerol, which help reduce inflammation in the body and may alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
- Digestive Aid: Ginger is known for its ability to soothe the digestive system, reduce nausea, and improve digestion.
- Immune Support: The antioxidants in ginger help support a healthy immune system, making this ginger beer a delicious way to give your body a boost.
Enjoy your homemade ginger beer as a refreshing drink on its own, or use it as a base for ginger-infused cocktails!
