Ginger beer is a sweet and spicy beverage that is perfect for hot summer days. While most recipes recommend using fresh ginger, using ginger powder simplifies the process and still delivers a deliciously refreshing drink. In this article, we will teach you how to make ginger beer using ginger powder in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
Before starting with the preparation, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup ginger powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1-gallon glass jar with lid – make sure it has an airtight seal
Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the sugar and ginger powder in water
Pour the ginger powder, sugar, and water in a pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and ginger are fully dissolved. This should take 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add the yeast
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature. Once it's cool, sprinkle the yeast on top of the mixture and let it sit for ten minutes. Don't stir the mixture during this time.
Step 3: Add Lemon juice
Add the lemon juice to the mixture and stir it gently. Then pour the mixture into a sanitized, airtight gallon jar. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously for about three minutes to aerate and mix the contents.
Step 4: Ferment the mixture
Store the jar in a warm, dark place for 24-48 hours. Keep an eye on the fermentation process; the ginger beer will become fizzy as the yeast consumes the sugar. You can occasionally give it a gentle shake to check on its progress
Step 5: Refrigerate and Enjoy the ginger beer
After 24-48 hours or once you're satisfied with the carbonation, you can start drinking it. Keep the jar in the fridge to stop the fermentation process. You can also store the ginger beer in another airtight jar but be sure to release the pressure every two days by gently opening the lid.
Tips for the best ginger beer
- Use organic ginger powder: It's essential to use high-quality ginger powder that doesn't have any chemicals or fillers.
- Control the temperature: The ideal temperature for fermenting ginger beer is 70°F to 75°F.
- Sanitize the jar: Clean the jar to avoid any bacteria growth that can ruin the fermentation process.
- Adjust the sugar level: If you like your ginger beer less sweet, reduce the sugar amount in the recipe.
- Experiment with additional flavors: You can add flavors like mint, berries, or honey to the ginger beer to make it even more unique.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make ginger beer with ginger powder. It's a simple, easy-to-prepare delicious beverage that will be great for your summer parties. Experiment with different ingredients and adjust the sugar level and other ingredients according to your preference. Follow these steps and enjoy the zingy and flavorful ginger beer in no time.
