Get Almanac's Daily Updates Extended Forecasts Where to Buy Contact Us

One-Week Ginger Beer

Photo Credit
Brent Hofacker/shutterstock
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Category
Beverages
Course
Other
Preparation Method
Boil
Sources
Yankee Magazine's Lost and Vintage Recipes

Have you ever had real ginger beer? This is a spicy, refreshing beverage made with just four ingredients (and one of them is water!). If you find it too strong or like some pizzazz in your drink, combine it with seltzer water in a ratio that works for you.

Please note: Despite the name, this is completely nonalcoholic and works well to quench your thirst on a hot summer day.

Ingredients
3 quarts of water
1 pound fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup brown sugar, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a saucepan, then remove from heat. Add ginger and steep overnight.
  2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing ginger to release flavor. Pour into a pitcher or bottle using a funnel. 
  3. Add lime juice and 1 cup sugar; stir or shake vigorously. 
  4. Cover and store at room temperature; let the mixture steep (and dregs settle) for 24 hours. 
  5. Decant to a second bottle with a tight-fitting screw top and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days.

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...
Read More from The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

What's cooking in The Old Farmer's Store?

More Like This

Comments

<span>Pj</span> Mon, 06/10/2024 - 16:51
Is it consumed during or after the 3-5 days of refrigeration?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 06/11/2024 - 08:53

Hi, PJ. You will consume the drink after the 3 to 5 days of refrigeration. It should continue to be refrigerated until the bottle is empty.

 <span>Cw</span> Fri, 02/10/2023 - 17:35
What would the alcohol content be?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 02/13/2023 - 14:32

Hi, CW. Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic beverage. Enjoy!

 <span>Rebecca</span> Wed, 07/28/2021 - 20:19
Will this end up being fizzy?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 08/03/2021 - 11:10

Hi, Rebecca. You could add a little seltzer water to each glass to make the drink fizzy.

 <span>Gloria Richman</span> Thu, 07/30/2015 - 22:30
Can Stevia or agave nectar be used in place of sugar? I love ginger drinks but am unable to consume this much sugar!
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 07/31/2015 - 11:43

For each cup of sugar, use 2/3 cup of agave and reduce the other liquids by 1/4 cup.

Stevia can substituted by replacing 1 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of stevia.

 <span>Paco12348</span> Thu, 06/16/2011 - 12:20
How would one use selzer water? Wouldn't that weaken it down if added afterwards?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 06/17/2011 - 09:34

Yes, we recommend mixing with seltzer if you find that the flavor is too strong. Otherwise, you can enjoy the drink as is.