Ginger Beer

Ginger Beer Recipe from Belize | Authentic Taste of Jamaica Recipe

Region / culture: Belize | Preparation time: 7 days | Servings: 12

Introduction

Ginger beer is a delicious and refreshing beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made with a combination of yeast, sugar, ginger, and lemon juice, this fizzy drink is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.

History

The origins of ginger beer can be traced back to the mid-18th century in England. It was originally brewed as a fermented alcoholic beverage, but over time, the alcohol content was reduced, making it a popular non-alcoholic drink for all ages.

Ingredients

1 (0.6 oz (17 g)) cake of compressed fresh yeast
2 tsp of castor sugar or superfine sugar
2 tsp of ground ginger
2 cups of cold water
7 tsp of castor sugar or superfine sugar, divided
7 tsp of ground ginger, divided
3.75 cups of white sugar
5 cups of boiling water
12.5 cups of cold water
0.5 cup of strained fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

In a sterile 2 qt (1.89 liter) jar, combine the yeast, 2 tsp of castor sugar, and 2 tsp of ground ginger. Stir in the cold water until well blended. Cover with a clean cheesecloth and let it sit in a convenient corner at room temperature, out of the way, for the next seven days.
Every morning for the next seven days, feed the yeast mixture by stirring in 1 tsp of castor sugar and 1 tsp of ground ginger.
On the eighth day, give the mixture a good stir, then strain it through a clean tea towel into a large new plastic bucket, bin, or glass carbuoy. Squeeze out all the liquid from the cloth and set it aside for later use.
Dissolve the white sugar in 5 cups of boiling water by stirring vigorously. Pour the cold water into the bucket with the ginger juice, then stir in the sugar syrup and lemon juice.
Transfer the mixture into sterile screw-top bottles, filling them up to within 2 inches of the top. You can use old cleaned out soda bottles. Seal the bottles tightly. Store the ginger beer bottles in a cool, dark place where they can remain undisturbed for 7 days. Be very careful when opening the bottles as the beer will be very fizzy.
Now, let's go back to the cloth. The residue may look disgusting, but lay the towel out flat with the disgusting side up. Use a knife to scrape the residue towards the center, then divide it in half and place each half into a separate sterile jar. Top each jar with 2 cups of cold water, and you are ready to start again. Repeat this process twice! Begin with step 2 for subsequent batches. Unless you are very thirsty, I suggest you give one of the jars away.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or vodka for a boozy twist on this classic drink.
Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or cloves for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use sterile equipment when making ginger beer to prevent any unwanted bacteria from contaminating the brew.

- Stir the yeast mixture every morning to ensure it is well-fed and active.

- Store the ginger beer bottles in a cool, dark place to allow the flavors to develop and the carbonation to build.

Serving Suggestions

Serve ginger beer chilled over ice with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious ginger beer is to allow the yeast mixture to ferment for at least seven days to develop the flavors and carbonation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast instead. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the correct measurements.

Make Ahead Tips

Ginger beer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve ginger beer in decorative glass bottles or mason jars for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ginger beer pairs well with spicy foods such as curry or barbecue dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store ginger beer in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and carbonation. It is best served chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ginger beer contains approximately 160 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ginger beer contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Ginger beer is a fat-free beverage.

Proteins

Ginger beer does not contain any significant amount of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ginger beer is a good source of vitamin C from the fresh lemon juice.

Alergens

Ginger beer may contain traces of yeast and gluten, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Ginger beer is a refreshing beverage that is low in fat and calories, but high in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamin C and should be consumed in moderation.

Summary

Ginger beer is a delicious and refreshing beverage that is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. With its unique combination of flavors and fizzy carbonation, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. The worn, yellowed piece of paper was tucked away in the back of an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I carefully unfolded the fragile paper, the faint smell of ginger wafted up to my nose, sparking memories of my childhood.

I remember watching my grandmother make ginger beer in her cozy kitchen, the aroma of ginger and spices filling the air as she stirred the bubbling concoction on the stove. She always seemed so content and at peace when she was cooking, and I longed to recreate that feeling in my own kitchen.

I knew that this recipe was special, not just because it came from my grandmother, but because it had been passed down through generations. The handwritten notes in the margins, the splatters of ingredients on the paper, all told a story of love and tradition that I wanted to continue.

I gathered the ingredients listed on the recipe: fresh ginger, sugar, water, lemon juice, and a pinch of yeast. It was a simple recipe, but one that required patience and care. I chopped the ginger into small pieces, the sharp scent filling my nostrils as I worked. I boiled the water and sugar together, creating a syrupy base for the ginger beer to ferment in.

As I added the ginger to the pot, the liquid began to take on a golden hue, the spicy aroma growing stronger with each passing minute. I squeezed in the lemon juice, adding a tangy twist to the brew. Finally, I sprinkled in the yeast, watching as it dissolved into the liquid, ready to work its magic.

I covered the pot with a clean cloth and set it aside to ferment for a few days, the anticipation building with each passing hour. The mixture bubbled and fizzed, a sign that the yeast was hard at work, transforming the sweet liquid into a fizzy, ginger-infused beverage.

When the time came to strain the ginger beer, I could hardly contain my excitement. The liquid flowed through the sieve, leaving behind a thick pulp of ginger that I could already taste on my tongue. I poured the ginger beer into glass bottles, sealing them tightly to carbonate over the next few days.

As I waited for the ginger beer to carbonate, I thought back to my grandmother and the joy she found in cooking. I realized that the recipe was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a connection to my past, a way to honor the traditions that had been passed down to me.

When the time finally came to taste the ginger beer, I poured myself a glass and took a hesitant sip. The fizzy liquid danced on my tongue, the spicy ginger and tangy lemon creating a symphony of flavors that filled me with warmth and nostalgia.

As I sat back in my chair, savoring the taste of the homemade ginger beer, I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and tradition that I carried with me in every dish I cooked. And as I raised my glass in a silent toast to my grandmother, I knew that she was smiling down on me, proud of the way I had honored her legacy.