Its alcohol content is similar to that of a beer, which is usually between 3 and 5%.
However, it has nothing to do with this other fermented drink! The three main ingredients of the ginger beer recipe are ginger, sugar and water.
The recipe produces 3 liters of ginger beer.
Homemade Alcoholic Ginger Beer Recipe (With Ginger Bug)
Equipment
- Blender, food processor or a good knife and some patience
- Zester/fine grater
- Sieve
Ingredients
- 400 g sugar
- 150 g ginger
- 2 lemons (or limes)
- 75 g raisins
- 100 g ginger bug* *(The use of an active ginger bug guarantees the success of this fermentation.)
- 3 l water
- Mint (optional)
Steps
- Recover the zest and juice from the citrus fruits. Put the peels in the compost.
- Pour all the ingredients into the blender with one or two cups of water.
- Blend until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. Add water as needed. If you do not have a blender, finely chop the ingredients with a knife or food processor.
- Filter with a fine sieve. Pour the liquid into a perfectly clean jar.
- Add water until you reach 2-3cm below the jar mouth.
- Cover the jar with a lid with an airlock.
- Fill the airlock to the line with water or alcohol.
- Allow to ferment at room temperature until there are no more bubbles left for at least a week. This can take up to 1 to 3 months.
- Bottle in pressure-resistant bottles. Leave sediments in the bottom of the jar. Keep the bottles in the dark for at least 1 month to develop the sparkling and enhance the flavours.
Ginger beer will benefit from several months of aging. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves and enjoy!
To make a very low-alcohol version, add only 1⁄4 cup of sugar and limit fermentation to 1 week. Be careful! As the fermentation will be incomplete, the bottles could become very bubbly. Therefore, as soon as the desired sparkle is attained, put in the fridge.
For a more boozy version, check out our ginger wine recipe!
Get Started
- Buy top-quality fermentation equipment
- Read How to Make Ginger Bug?
- Read How to Sanitize Your Equipment?
- Learn How to flavour your fermented drinks with local plants
- Try other fermented drink recipes
