Ginger Beer Recipe: Delicious Homebrewed Ginger Beer

Ginger Beer is a traditional home brewed beverage that is a great tasting, refreshing drink for a lazy hot summer day. It can be enjoyed it so many different ways. This delicious homemade ginger beer recipe will allow you to easily mix up a batch of this strong, uniquely flavored beverage any time you like. This recipe will make 4 liters (1 gallon) of ginger beer. You can tweak it to make larger or smaller quantities according to your needs.

Ingredients:

450g (15 ounces) brown sugar
10g (0.35 ounces) brewers yeast
50g (1.7 ounces) fresh ground ginger powder
10g (0.35 ounces) cream of tartar
10g (0.35 ounces) citric acid

Preparation

Add all the ingredients into a 4 liter (1 gallon) container or jug.
Add 3 liters (0.80 gallons) of lukewarm tap water and then 1 litre (0.26 gallons) of boiling water to the container and stir the mixture thoroughly.
The 3:1 ratio of tap water to boiling water should give you a nice lukewarm mixture.
If your 4 liter container or jug has a seal-able lid, then seal the container after mixing. If not, then decant the mixture into smaller sturdy plastic bottles.
Leave the mixture to stand overnight for at least 8 - 9 hours at room temperature. Do not leave in direct sunlight. It is important that the mixture is allowed to brew in a sealed container as gas is produced during brewing which gives the ginger beer a nice fizz. Do not brew the mixture in glass bottles as the build up of gas can sometimes cause the glass bottles to crack or explode. Use plastic bottles or containers instead.
When you are ready to drink, unscrew the lid slowly to release the gas. You should hear the hiss as you open the lid.
Pour the mixture into a jug, stir well, add some ice, and serve.

If you prefer using fresh ingredients, please use the alternate recipe as follows:

3 cups of brown or white sugar
10g instant dry yeast (can be purchased as single sachet)
Grated rinds of 2 fresh lemons (do not grate in the white husk as it is very bitter)
2 small pieces of fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon of fresh ground ginger powder
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)

Preparation

Grate the rinds of 2 lemons using a fine grater but do not grind the white husk as it is bitter to the taste
Peel the ginger root and grate the 2 small pieces
Add all the ingredients into a 4 liter container or jug
Add 3 liters of lukewarm water and 1 liter of boiling water and stir thoroughly

Enjoy