Classic Ginger Beer (Non-Alcoholic):
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add grated ginger and lemon juice to the sugar water. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the ginger solids.
- Transfer the liquid to a clean glass bottle or jar. Add the active dry yeast and stir gently.
- Seal the bottle or jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 days to ferment. Check for carbonation by lightly squeezing the bottle or jar; it should feel firm.
- Once carbonated, refrigerate the ginger beer to stop the fermentation process. Serve chilled over ice, optionally garnished with a slice of lemon or lime.
Moscow Mule (Alcoholic):
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour vodka and lime juice over the ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour dark rum over the ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
These recipes should give you a good starting point to enjoy the refreshing flavor of ginger beer, whether you prefer it non-alcoholic or as part of a cocktail. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and proportions according to your taste preferences! Of course, you can always skip these steps and use Moonglade Brews Ginger Beer!