How to Make Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale at Home

Homemade ginger ale, made with fresh ginger, is a delicious and refreshing beverage.

There are essentially two methods for making a ginger beer or ginger ale at home. One involves fermentation and waiting a few days for the result, and the other takes about 30 minutes and provides almost instant gratification. The latter method is simpler and requires less specialty equipment, making it more accessible for the average cook. With just a few basic ingredients, you can be sipping your homemade ginger beer in less than one hour.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 lb. fresh ginger
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• Medium saucepan
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Club soda or seltzer

Instructions

1. Grate the ginger. It doesn't have to be perfectly done because you'll strain it out later. But grating exposes maximum surface area, which allows the most flavor to be transferred to the syrup.

2. Place the ginger and sugar in the saucepan and pour in the water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering until the syrup has reduced by at least half.

3. Strain out the ginger pieces by pouring the syrup through a strainer or cheesecloth into a container for storage. Chill the syrup.

4. Pour 1 part syrup and 2 parts club soda into a glass, add ice and stir.

Tips & Warnings

• If you like your ginger ale a bit spicy, simmer a chopped hot pepper in the syrup.

• For a delicious winter variation, simmer a cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves in the syrup.

References

• The Kitchn: Recipe - DIY Ginger Ale
• Crumpets and Cakes: Homemade Ginger Ale Two Ways
• Amateur Gourmet: Homemade Ginger Ale
• Joy the Baker: Homemade Ginger Syrup for Ginger Ale