Natural Ginger Ale Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: Ashley Centola

June11,2014

4.7

3 Ratings

  • Makes 2 Liters

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

While glass bottles look pretty, I wouldn't recommend using them during the carbonation process here. A plastic bottle will allow you to feel when the pressure has built up in the bottle due to the carbon dioxide. Once the soda has carbonated, you can then transfer the soda to a glass bottle for serving, if you please.

Champagne yeast can be found online, or you can check if there are any home brewing shops in your area. If you live in New York, I know Brooklyn Homebrew carries it. —Ashley Centola

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • Clean, plastic 2 Liter bottle
  • Funnel
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • 2 cupswater
  • 3/4 cupraw turbinado sugar
  • 1 tablespoonfreshly grated ginger root
  • 1/8 cupfresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 5 whole black peppercorns
  • Two swipes of nutmeg on a microplane
  • 1/8 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/4 teaspoonChampagne yeast (I used Lalvin brand)
  • For lemon verbena ginger ale, you will need about 15 lemon verbena leaves and 3 more black peppercorns
Directions
  1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add grated ginger, lemon juice, black peppercorns, two swipes of nutmeg on a microplane, and salt. Let steep for at least one hour. (If adding lemon verbena leaves, do so here)
  2. Using a funnel, pour the ginger syrup base into a clean, two-liter bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water, leaving a few inches of space at the top, then add the yeast.
  3. Cap the bottle tightly and give it a shake. Store at room temperature, preferably in a shaded area, for about 48 hours. I placed mine in a kitchen cabinet for good measure (my roommate was probably wondering why there were four bottles of mysterious liquid nestled in with our glasses.) You'll know it's carbonated when the bottle feels rock-solid.
  4. Twist off the cap very slowly to release the pressure. You may even have to twist a little bit, wait a minute, twist a little more, wait a minute, and so on, until you're in the clear to remove the cap completely. One of my batches ended up taking at least 5 minutes before I could fully twist off the cap without it fizzing over.
  5. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the soda over an ice-filled glass and serve. If you made the lemon verbena ginger ale, add some fresh leaves to the glass to garnish.
  6. If you're not drinking your ginger ale immediately, be sure to refrigerate the bottle once it has reached the point of carbonation. If left out at room temperature, more carbon dioxide will be produced, and you definitely do not want the bottle to explode when you open it. Yeast is a powerful thing, people. I can attest to this.It went a little something like this: I strained the soda into a glass bottle, apparently under the impression that I'm some kind of magician (I'm not) who can magically catch every little bit of yeast in the soda. (I didn't.) And so without thinking, I made the mistake of leaving the bottle out on the kitchen table for a few days. I went to open it last night, just to be matched with a force that can only be compared to a broken, spewing fire hydrant. I was covered, as was the wall, the floor, the clean dishes that were still in the dish rack from last week, and pretty much anything else within a two foot radius. This ginger ale should keep in the refrigerator for at least a week without going flat. I have a couple of batches in the back of my fridge that I've only opened a few times since I made them two weeks ago, and they're still fully carbonated.

Tags:

  • American
  • Ginger
  • Lemon Juice
  • Nutmeg
  • Make Ahead
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Alcohol-Free Drinks
  • Drink

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Horto

  • bmallorca

  • Ashley Centola

  • MissBrendaWi

Recipe by: Ashley Centola

Ashley is an aspiring, Brooklyn-based food and lifestyle photographer with a love for baking, cooking, styling, and all things creative. She is inspired by wholesome foods and simplicity. You'll never see her turn down a piece of cheesecake or her family's Italian food. Her blog, Simple Craves & Olive Oil, focuses on seasonally inspired dishes, influenced by her educational background in nutrition.

Popular on Food52

12 Reviews

MissBrendaWi June 30, 2014

I'm looking forward to trying this.

Ashley C. June 30, 2014

Happy to hear that, Brenda!

Horto June 28, 2014

can instant yeast be used?

Ashley C. June 30, 2014

I haven't tried instant yeast, but after reading a bit about it online, I think it could work. It should carbonate the drink, but I'm just not sure if the flavor would be slightly affected. If you try it out, I'd love to know your results!

dorothy June 27, 2014

So where does an everyday home cook get such an exotic product like champagne yeast ?

Ashley C. June 27, 2014

Hi Dorothy,
I bought mine at a local home brew shop (mentioned under Author Notes), however if you do not have one near you, you can always buy it online :) Here is a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Lallemand-Inc-EC-1118-Lalvin-Yeast/dp/B002LQBSIO

bmallorca June 23, 2014

I am DEFINITELY trying this. I love how dangerous it is : )
Thanks for the recipe!

Ashley C. June 27, 2014

Yay! Hope you love it :)

Eddie June 15, 2014

When is the yeast added to the mixture?

Ashley C. June 15, 2014

Hi Eddie,

My mistake! It is added right before you cap the bottle.

Eddie June 15, 2014

Thank you!

Eddie June 15, 2014

Thank you!

Natural Ginger Ale Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What is a healthy alternative to ginger ale? ›

If you're in dire need of a carbonated concoction, try these options:
  • Sparkling water. Tons of brands make sparkling water, plain or with a hint of natural flavor, that can quench your thirst and actually hydrate you.
  • Kombucha. ...
  • Prebiotic soda.
May 25, 2021

What is homemade ginger ale made of? ›

You can make homemade ginger ale with just four ingredients—including fresh ginger root—and it's much easier than you may think. Our simple homemade ginger ale recipe combines carbonated water, ginger-infused simple syrup, and citrus (we like lime juice, but lemon juice is an easy swap if preferred).

Is homemade ginger ale good for you? ›

This Homemade Ginger Ale is the perfect alternative to a traditionally sugar-packed soda. Plus, it is good for you— ginger is an anti-inflammatory and aids in digestion! WOT we love about this recipe: It is sweetened with maple syrup, and you can control the sweetness and how strong the ginger flavor is.

What is healthier ginger ale or Sprite? ›

In the case of artificially flavored ginger ale, the beverage has no more health benefits than any other soda, which, of course, are zero. But in the case of ginger ale flavored by real ginger root, the beverage has marginally more health benefits than other soft drinks.

Does Canada Dry have real ginger? ›

According to Ginger Ale | Canada Dry its ingredients include ginger extract —which is made from ginger root. So, legally, they can say it has actual real ginger flavor in it. But it just has no real health benefits to it, like settling an upset stomach, or any of the other benefits that ginger root has.

Who should not drink ginger ale? ›

“Most commercial-brand ginger ales have at least 10 teaspoons of sugar,” says Dr. Goldman. “If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse. Even diet ginger ale can be harmful because our bodies may not digest artificial sugars as well.”

What is the healthiest ginger ale to drink? ›

Zevia Zero Calorie Ginger Ale

Based on the nutrition label, this ginger ale is the healthiest with 0 of everything. It's made with carbonated water, stevia, natural flavors, citric acid and ginger extract.

Why do doctors recommend ginger ale? ›

Ginger, a member of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, has been proven to be effective at treating nausea and vomiting — two hallmarks of a classic upset stomach. In fact, ginger is even used to treat morning sickness, muscle pain and menstrual pain.

What two sodas make ginger ale? ›

If you're curious about the mixture and want to try making it yourself, the blog recommends a 70 percent Sprite and 30 percent Diet co*ke blend for the "most authentic ginger ale flavor."

Is there any ginger ale made with real ginger? ›

Reed's Ginger Ale: Reed's is known for its strong ginger flavor and uses real ginger root, along with other natural ingredients, to craft their ginger ale. 2. Bruce Cost Ginger Ale: Bruce Cost Ginger Ale is made with fresh ginger, pure cane sugar, and other natural ingredients. It offers a bold and spicy ginger taste.

What is the difference between ginger ale and dry ginger ale? ›

There are two primary forms of ginger ale; golden ginger ale and dry or pale, ginger ale. Golden ginger ale is darker, sweeter, and spicier, while dry ginger ale is lighter with a more subtle taste.

When not to take ginger? ›

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.

Why is ginger ale so good for sickness? ›

“Most commercial ginger ales contain little or no actual ginger,” she added. Gingerol, which is found in ginger root, has been shown to offer nausea relief as the compound improves digestion by reducing the time food remains in the stomach and gut, said Rauch.

Does ginger reduce BP? ›

Human studies have shown that taking ginger supplements may reduce blood pressure. One study in more than 4,000 people found that those who consumed the most ginger — 2–4 grams per day — had the lowest risk of developing high blood pressure. Ginger is flavorful and easy to incorporate into your diet with meals.

What two sodas mixed together taste like ginger ale? ›

If you're curious about the mixture and want to try making it yourself, the blog recommends a 70 percent Sprite and 30 percent Diet co*ke blend for the "most authentic ginger ale flavor."

What is the ratio of co*ke to Sprite for ginger ale? ›

A 50-50 ratio of co*ke and Sprite isn't exactly the best mixture for the most ginger ale flavor. When trying this experiment opt for a 70% Sprite and 30% percent co*ke ratio, that seems to taste the most accurate. In fact, Diet co*ke has proven to provide the most authentic ginger ale flavor when mixed with sprite.

Is Canada Dry ginger ale a co*ke product? ›

Canada Dry is a brand of soft drinks founded in 1904 and owned since 2008 by the American company Dr Pepper Snapple (now Keurig Dr Pepper). For over 100 years, Canada Dry has been known mainly for its ginger ale, though the company also manufactures a number of other soft drinks and mixers.

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