Ginger Beer How To Make A Healthy Probiotic Drink

Ginger beer also known as ginger ale is easy to make and such a healthy alternative to commercially prepared sodas. This drink is full of probiotics which are beneficial for a healthy gut biome. Ginger beer is used for upset stomachs, nausea and digestive issues. This ginger ale is fantastic to drink as a refreshing drink any time.

This is a fermented drink so there will be natural carbonation, from slightly fizzy to very fizzy. This recipe will take 4 days fermenting before its ready.

There are two parts to the process,  the first small fermentation is called the bug. The bug gets things really kicking and then a secondary fermentation with extra ingredients. You don’t need to add yeast to this because the yeast comes from the air much the same way as making a sourdough starter. Once the process is complete, you can store your ginger beer in glass bottles in your fridge.

First you need to make a ginger bug.

Ginger Bug

Ingredients

• 1 piece of organic ginger root about 8 inches long
• Start with 10 grams chopped ginger (you will add more ginger daily for 3 days)
• 10 grams of sugar
• 250 ml of water
• Clean 1 quart Mason jar and ring
• Small piece of cheesecloth

Directions

• Add the chopped ginger, sugar and water to the Mason jar
• Stir the ingredients and cover with the cheesecloth and ring
• Leave on a counter at room temperature for 1 day
• For the next three to four days, add 10 grams ginger and 10 grams sugar
• The ginger bug will start to foam

Ginger Beer

Ingredients

• 1liter distilled water
• 100 grams sugar
• 30 grams chopped ginger

Directions

• In a small pot, add one liter of water and heat.
• Once the water is almost simmering add 100 grams of sugar and 30 grams of chopped ginger
• Bring to a simmer and set the timer for five minutes to infuse.
• After the time is up, strain the liquid and cool to room temperature
• Strain out 50 grams of the ginger bug liquid, and set aside
• Once the liquid is cooled combine this liquid and the 50 grams of the ginger bug
• Pour this into your fermentation bottle
• Cap the bottle and leave in a warm place on a counter at room temperature for 3 days
• Place your ginger beer in the fridge

You can store your ginger bug in the fridge and it will last indefinitely. When you want to make more ginger beer just follow the steps above, feeding it until it foams again.

If you want more ginger taste, you can add more chopped ginger to the steeping process.