It seems to be thirsty Thursday today. And despite the absence of spring in April, I’ll offer you a refreshing drink – some homemade Ginger Ale!
Ginger is a very potent and healthful root you will know from many Asian dishes. Ginger Ale however is, according to Wikipedia, an American/Canadian invention. My favorite brand Canada Dry is a so called Dry Ginger Ale that is different from the more ginger spiced Golden Ginger Ale the Americans invented. When I red the ingredients of my Canada Dry I noticed that “ginger” was not one of the ingredients used – but “natural flavor” was….hmmm.
So I decided to put the ginger back in ginger ale and make my own. As you can see it is slightly lighter than the amber color you might remember. But if you think about the color of ginger (a light yellow) it is not surprising. Let’s get started and make a ginger syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sized ginger riots, peeled and cubed (the smaller the cubes the more intense it gets)
- 3 strips lemon peel (organic, unspritzed lemons)
- 1 1/2 cups (340g) sugar
- 4 cups (1l) water
Method
1. Combine water, lemon peel and ginger in a pot and bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
2. Add sugar, stirring constantly, boil for another 15 minutes or so until liquid is reduced to roughly 3 cups.
3. Using a fine strainer and a funnel, pour syrup into bottle(s) and let cool completely. Then you can store the syrup in your refrigerator, the syrup will darken a little more over time.
To make the drink just mix about 1 part syrup with 4 parts of sparkling water. Try the ratio out and see if you like it, if not adjust until you like it 😉
Cheers, here is to real Ginger Ale!
Hugs
Dani!
Louise - 30s Magazine says
I’m going to try this. Ginger is so healthy! I use it a lot when cooking but should use it more often. Your photos are so summer-like. Where is the sun????
Dani says
That’s a good question, I was able to catch it “on film” while it was out for a while…
Laura says
Yummmmmm …. I have a friend whose Surinamese mother makes spicy-hot homemade Ginger Ale in big plastic buckets and passes it out to the family (her Surinamese cooking is awesome, too, by the way …. but I digress). I always look forward to drinking it when I visit — now I won’t have to wait, because I can make it myself. I’m really looking forward to trying out your recipe, Miss Dani! 🙂
Simone says
I love ginger! Ginger ale is – as far as I know – not a really big thing in the Netherlands but this does sound delicious and to me anything with ginger is a plus!
Cindi says
I have my first batch on the stove, it smells so yummy, I’m thinking I would like to take some to work and share with co- workers, how long can this go un refrigerated?
Dani says
Keep it in the fridge and will be good for at least 2 days 🙂
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Jaia says
Hi, Just made this now, smells lovely and had a little taste and it is beautiful. Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Dani says
Glad you tried it 🙂