How to Brew Your Own Ginger Beer

Ranked #682 in Food & Cooking, #13,456 overall

Ginger beer is a carbonated drink which is flavoured with ginger, lemon and sugar. Ginger beer can be either alcoholic or a soft drink.

Ginger Beer originated in England in the 1700s, and was the nation's favourite drink for 150 years. When sales of Ginger Beer began to decline in the 1930s, England had 3,000 breweries dedicated to ginger beer!

How Did Ginger Beer Originate?

A bit of background into Ginger Beer

Originally Ginger Beer was an alcoholic beverage, averaging an intoxicating 11% alcohol.

In the 1800s, ginger beer became a popular export to America. The technological superiority of English potters can take a lot of the credit for this. The ginger beer was bottled in stoneware jars finished with a revolutionary glazing process called Improved Bristol Glaze. This, along with stout corks and wire, ensured that the pressure was maintained and also guaranteed that the ginger beer had a long shelf life. These stoneware ginger beer bottles have become very collectable items in recent years.

The original ginger beer recipe required only ginger, sugar, and water, (though lemon was often incorporated) to which was added a gelatinous substance called a "ginger beer plant". Fermentation took place over a few days and turned the mixture into ginger beer.

The Ginger Beer produced industrially today is often not fermented. Such ginger beer is carbonated with pressurized carbon dioxide, does not contain alcohol, and is sold as a soft drink.

Stoneware Ginger Beer Bottles

...Is that antique stoneware ginger beer bottle worth anything?

Old and antique stoneware Ginger Beer bottles are very collectable these days... have you got one lurking in the cellar or loft?



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The 'Ginger Beer Plant'

The starting point for really great ginger beer

No one is really sure where the first ginger beer plants came from, but the mystery of its identity was solved by a pioneering scientist in the late nineteenth century.

Harry Marshall Ward studied how plants and microorganisms live together in symbiotic relationships. He became curious when a friend at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, gave him a ginger beer plant.

As the years passed he built up a whole collection of ginger beer plant specimens and painstakingly identified, separated and attempted to grow the different organisms within the mixtures.

His analyses revealed that it was a type of organism new to science. He described it as a 'composite body', consisting of many microorganisms living together.

Not all of these microbes helped in making the beer, but two organisms were present in every sample, and seemed vital to the production of ginger beer.

One was a fungus he named Saccharomyces pyriformis. The other was a bacterium, which he named Bacterium vermiforme, and is now called Brevibacterium vermiforme. Together, they produce the essential ingredients of traditional ginger beer: carbon dioxide and alcohol.

I remember my aunty making ginger beer when I was a child. She had a "ginger beer plant". It wasn't a green, leafy kind of a plant but a sticky white mass, which lived in a jam jar!

The Ginger Beer Plant would be regularly 'fed' with sugar and every so often the liquid would be tapped off, diluted and bottled. The liquid would ferment in the bottle, producing the fizz. After about a week or so it was ready to drink.

The plant was treated like a chain letter. As it grew it was halved and passed to family and friends.

The commercial, canned ginger beer of today is very different. It doesn't contain alcohol and isn't made by fermentation.

Make Your Own Ginger Beer Plant

Equipment You Will Need

A jar and lid which is big enough to contain the plant.
One pint-sized measuring jug
Several clean and dry two-litre plastic bottles.
Teaspoons
A large pan
A fine cloth for straining the plant

Ingredients

Dried ginger
Dried yeast
Sugar
Juice of four lemons
Water


Making your Plant

The plant is a mixture of dried ginger, yeast, sugar and water. This creates a yeast culture.

In the jar, place one teaspoon of dried yeast, two teaspoons of dried ginger, four teaspoons of sugar and a pint (600ml) of cold water.

Stir and Store the jar in a warm dry place to help the process along.

Every day your plant must be nourished by feeding with two teaspoons of dried ginger and four teaspoons of sugar.

Stir after feeding.Your plant should be ready after one week.

Reviving Your Plant

Once the plant has been harvested, it is possible to revive it by separating the remainder into halves and cultivating it as before.

Discard half of the solid from the plant or give it to someone so they may start their own.

Place the remaining half in a clean jar with a pint of water and continue to feed as above.

Homebrewing Is Rising In Popularity

Learn how homebrewing is done with the help of these great books

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Making the Ginger Beer

Place 1kg (2lb) of sugar and two pints of boiling water in the large pan. The sugar will dissolve.

Add the juice of the four lemons to the pan.

Strain the contents of the jar - the plant - through the cloth into the pan. See below for what is to be done with the solid portion of the plant.

Add 14 pints of room temperature water.

Stir and bottle in plastic bottles. Fill the bottles about seven-eighths full as you need to allow for expansion.

Squeeze the air out of the bottles to stop them exploding under pressure from their contents.

Store the bottles in a safe place at room temperature, and leave for three to four weeks to 'brew'.

Alternatively you can try my Quick And Easy Ginger Beer Recipe

***Or, if making your own ginger beer all seems a bit too difficult you can get a Ginger Beer Making Kit from Amazon UK.***

A word of caution

Don't stand the bottles anywhere near a heat source or where a blown bottle can empty it's contents onto something important or valuable...
It may be necessary to,carefully, let some of the pressure out of the bottles, it might stir things up a bit but they should settle back down eventually.

Ginger Beer Bay

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Try brewing something else at home....

This homebrew comes in kit form to make things easier

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Remember....

Never keep homemade ginger beer for more than three days after making, and throw it out if it looks or smells odd.
Always store homemade ginger beer in plastic bottles, never glass, in case the bottles explode.
Everything that comes into contact with the brew must be scrupulously clean!

Ginger Beer spiced up?

Some things to try using your Ginger Beer

ginger ale

Red wine and ginger beer fizz
For a deliciously long and refreshing summer cocktail, whiz up this fruity wine and ginger fizz.
Moscow Mule
Take time out and spoil yourself, by savouring the subtle spiciness of a Smirnoff's Moscow Mule.
Dark and Stormy - Ginger Beer and Rum based cocktail
A warm and spicy Jamaican rum based cocktail.
Rhubarb and Genger Beer Jellies
From Delia Online - How to Cheat
Ginger Apple Brandy Cocktail Recipe | In The Spirit
Learn how to make a delicious Ginger Apple Brandy Cocktail - Shake the first three listed ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a highball glass half filled with cubed ice. Top up with ginger beer.

African Ginger Beer Organic Cocktail on YouTube

GREENCHEFS / AFRICAN GINGER BEER ORGANIC COCKTAIL
by GreenMonkey | video info

7 ratings | 2,636 views
curated content from YouTube

People Are Blogging About Ginger Beer

Diamond Jubilee exhibition promises Royal nostalgia and lashings of ginger beer
Alongside the exhibition, Torre Abbey is also offering a range of refreshments at The Street Party Café including tea and coffee, lashings of ginger beer and lemonade. The exhibition runs from Saturday, June 2 until Tuesday, June 5 from 11am to 5pm in ...
The bank that turned into a brewery
That includes the new Hit the Road, a traditional German pilsner-style beer, as befits Matso's German brewer, Marcus Muller. Ten cents from each middy of this goes to the cane-toad busting cause. There's also a Mango Essence and alcoholic ginger beer.
Queen's Diamond Jubilee street party: how to make Pimms and ginger beer jellies
As part of our Diamond Jubilee street party food series, the Telegraph's Xanthe Clay and the Big Lunch's Camilla Baker tell you how to make Pimms and Ginger Beer jellies. Pimms makes a fantastic refreshing grown up jelly ? but don't be tempted to set ...
Vitae's Storm Chaser
The process: Toss over ice and strain into ice filled collins glass. Top up with ginger beer and stir to incorporate. Float 1/2 oz Cruzan Blackstrap Rum on top and gently stir to incorporate but maintain separation. Garnish with candied ginger.

Ginger Beer Blurbs

Ginger lover or Ginger Whinger? Have your say here...

I would love to receive your feedback and comments so please feel free to leave me a note here.

You can comment here even if you are not a member of Squidoo but why not sign up here to start building your own lenses and become part of this fantastic community.

  • cynthia-ann-leighton Apr 7, 2012 @ 4:21 pm | delete
    I'd like to try ginger. Making!

    We made root beer as a kid. My dad grew up making it and keeping it in their root cellar to settle.

    I remember them Popping. Big bangs. Under the sink isn't as cool as a root cellar. The tops blew right off of some of them!

    blessings,
    CYnthia
  • moonlitta Mar 27, 2012 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    Well, I prefer drinking to brewing beer:) Anyway. Quite informative if I decide to try brewing too!
  • moonlitta Mar 27, 2012 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    Well, I prefer drinking to brewing beer:) Anyway. Quite informative if I decide to try brewing too!
  • paullenton Mar 5, 2012 @ 5:19 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing this recipe. I didn't even know that ginger beer really existed... (pardon my ignorance) although I am more a hops beer brewer and like experimenting with all sorts of flavours. Good lens!
  • Tea Mar 1, 2012 @ 4:27 pm | delete
    I usually brew Mead and Wines from other types and natural Plants, but I do also make the plant version of the Ginger Beer as well. Got to say it is great and very nutritional as well. I also like the non-alcoholic type for the Kids not of drinking age. It makes a nice Cocktail either way for Hot summer's and cold Winters.

    I remember as a Kid helping my parents and grandparents make this, and us kids that did help always got a little taste of it, lol. But of course that was way before you went jail for giving a child or under aged drinkers alcohol. Either way I learned to make the non-alcoholic type for the kids and non-drinkers. It is great all around.

    Blessings,
    ~Tea~
  • leahjsongs Feb 20, 2012 @ 5:39 pm | delete
    Ginger lover!!! The spicier, the better.
  • Justin Pearl Jan 30, 2012 @ 12:29 am | delete
    I've never tried ginger beer before.. gotta try it though.
    yeast
  • jimmyworldstar Jan 25, 2012 @ 1:30 pm | delete
    I love ginger beer, moreso than ginger ale. I read that the original ginger beer was actually alcoholic in content. Is there a recipe for that too?
  • sazzzyD Jan 7, 2012 @ 5:54 pm | delete
    Of course there is the yeast GBP method or you could aquire the REAL ginger beer plant which as someone mentioned is similar to the kimbucha symbiotic culture, its a combination of yeast and bacteria ~ it produces quite a different taste... of course EVERY recipe tried will produce different tastes but if anyone wants to aquire the real gbp go to gingerbbeerplant.net or yahoo ginger beer plant group where you can ask someone to send you some... I did & glad I did too =o)
  • woznii Jan 2, 2012 @ 2:30 pm | delete
    Very interesting to find out about ginger beer! Interesting info about stoneware bottles. May even try some home brew! Thank you for sharing.
  • flycatcher Dec 15, 2011 @ 10:53 am | delete
    I love ginger beer, but haven't been brave enough to try brewing my own. What I need is an ambitious brewmaster friend. ;)
  • Snowdog Nov 10, 2011 @ 3:09 am | delete
    I already brew ginger beer but never tried the plant method as it seemed too complicated. Your method makes a bit more sense, consider yourself "liked"
  • detkhobut Nov 10, 2011 @ 1:52 am | delete
    I have been thinking of making my own ginger beer for quite a while now.I remember as a kid we had a plant.I am now 65.
  • jays23 Nov 1, 2011 @ 9:50 am | delete
    I love ginger beer. I don't think I can brew my own but I'm happy just buying it.
  • HowToKeg Oct 6, 2011 @ 4:04 pm | delete
    I have never actually tried ginger beer before. I love ginger ale, the soda. But would be curious how the beer would turn out.
  • jwncoexists Sep 12, 2011 @ 12:24 am | delete
    I love Ginger Beer, and I am definitely going to try this!! Thanks for sharing!
  • emerladdagger Jul 28, 2011 @ 1:08 am | delete
    oh my...beer...my kryptonite! nice lens :)
  • filmic Jul 15, 2011 @ 10:55 pm | delete
    Ginger beer is one of my favourite drinks. Would love to brew it myself.
  • RavenReviews Jul 8, 2011 @ 11:58 am | delete
    love it!
  • Selbst Jun 2, 2011 @ 10:58 am | delete
    Thanks for this great detailed lens. :)
  • livingfrontiers Dec 15, 2010 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    Great lens! I am tempted to try it!
  • Bluesssman Nov 19, 2010 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Sounds like a fun beer to make and certainly very easy!
  • thegreenninja Aug 30, 2009 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    This really makes me want to brew my own! Thanks! Great lens.
  • saritajain86 Aug 30, 2009 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    Great lens. Thanks for sharing it.
  • jazzdog Aug 30, 2009 @ 12:51 pm | delete
    Well researched and thought out lens on one of my favorite drinks. Like other readers not sure I'd want to make it myself.
  • hlkljgk Jul 29, 2009 @ 8:58 am | delete
    i love ginger beer. never thought of making myself.
  • Chadrew Apr 28, 2009 @ 6:01 am | delete
    I like the ginger ale they sell in supermarkets even though I normally don't drink much carbonated stuff at all. Your homemade version sounds much more fun, and the natural fermentation always gives a nicer "fizz" than the CO2 added artificially with high pressure.
  • tandemonimom Feb 18, 2009 @ 4:36 pm | delete
    The ginger beer plant sounds a lot like the kombucha "mother." Great and informative lens! 5* and please join the new Squidoo group Real Food Real Living.
  • Snozzle Jan 28, 2009 @ 10:56 am | delete
    I remember as a kid making ginger beer and then passing it on. Not sure I really liked it but it was the fun of making it that mattered. Happy days. 5* lens.
    Thanks for the memories!
    Mike.
  • taryneast Jan 18, 2009 @ 4:52 am | delete
    Great stuff! Mostly I make mead, but I've made ginger beer with a plant, and with just ale yeast and loved it both times. I also recommend adding a bit of cinnamon to it (but not too much) as it really compliments the ginger!
    Definitely agree with using soda bottles to brew in, but if all you have is glass and you're worried about them exploding, you can actually store them in a box and fill the box with sand so any explosion won't cause the others to explode (chain reactions are bad).
  • ArtDiva Jan 15, 2009 @ 1:40 am | delete
    Nice, informative lens of one of my favorite drinks. But, will pass on making it to buying at the health food store to which I add a little freshly grated ginger root. Ginger tea is also good.
  • kiwisoutback Jan 12, 2009 @ 6:58 am | delete
    I buy ginger beer once in a while, it's great. This sounds really interesting, I'd like to try this out sometime. Excellent instructions, great work!
  • PattB Nov 13, 2008 @ 2:43 am | delete
    My mouth is watering. Now I must have ginger. Here's a really quick way to make a carbonated ginger beverage if you need a quick fix. Make some tea with fresh ginger(grated ginger steeped in boiling water and strained), then mix with sparkling water, sweeten if you like. Thanks for welcoming me to the forums, Jill, I hope you get a chance to stop by my lenses. 5 stars for this great lens!
  • CleanerLife Nov 5, 2008 @ 5:02 pm | delete
    I like ginger beer soda more than just about any other soda, but I'm not sure if I'd be willing to try making it myself, although the quick way (smashing the ginger root with a rolling pin) does sound fun!
  • Rob3 Sep 19, 2008 @ 6:55 am | delete
    Great lens! I love ginger beer, but haven't had it for ages. So much good information here, well done & 5*****!
    Thanks for visiting my How To Make Your Own Grape Wine lens.
  • Real-Easy-Money Sep 7, 2008 @ 12:44 am | delete
    Very nice lens. I have tried Ginger Beer and found it rather tasty. Homemade version sounds great.
  • aquariann Sep 6, 2008 @ 8:19 pm | delete
    A chain letter plant - now that's pretty cool. I'm not a big fan of carbonated beverages and have never had the opportunity to try ginger beer, but I certainly enjoyed your lens!! Very neat.
  • The_Homeopath Sep 4, 2008 @ 11:07 pm | delete
    We've made ginger beer and root beer at home before. It's so much tastier than regular bottled stuff.
  • LucyVet Sep 4, 2008 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    I never tried ginger beer, as I was always put off by all the chemicals in the shop stuff. The homemade versions sound much better!
  • LucyVet Sep 4, 2008 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    I never tried ginger beer, as I was always put off by all the chemicals in the shop stuff. The homemade versions sound much better!
  • ArtByLinda Sep 4, 2008 @ 12:28 pm | delete
    Ginger Beer sounds very good, I may just have to try some, thanks for sharing!
    Linda
  • a_willow Sep 4, 2008 @ 9:43 am | delete
    Well, this can't be bought where I live... Maybe to make it myself following your instructions?! :)
  • CubicleJoe Sep 4, 2008 @ 6:55 am | delete
    How about Dark & Stormy Drinks from Bermuda? They have ginger beer in them. Very tasty. I never actually tried ginger beer alone. After this lens, it will be worth a try.
  • Shreela Aug 29, 2008 @ 4:07 am | delete
    I loved the ginger beer with red wine recipe; I'm going to make some for my hubby 8^)
  • bbug Aug 26, 2008 @ 11:09 am | delete
    Beer is okay but I am not sure I would like the ginger flavor. Great lens!
  • oimdiane Aug 21, 2008 @ 2:51 pm | delete
    Thanks! This sounds like a home experiment in the making :)
  • TheInfamous7 Aug 15, 2008 @ 12:42 pm | delete
    Fantastic Tips!! Good Work..
  • RyanRE Aug 7, 2008 @ 9:27 am | delete
    Very nice lens. I love beer, but I am not a huge fan of ginger. Still... I just might have to try this. Great work and ***** to ya!
  • Gandree Jul 16, 2008 @ 7:40 am | delete
    Ginger beer sounds similar to the kefir I make with ginger. Using kefir grains I only have to let it sit overnight and then bottle it for 24 hours and it is ready to go. I use reuse Grolsh beer bottles to keep it in because they have the resealable tops.
  • beeobrien Jun 26, 2008 @ 7:07 pm | delete
    A great lens. This sounds yummy.
  • wubster Jun 17, 2008 @ 2:53 am | delete
    Thanks for this, it seems really easy to do and the quick ginger beer sounds good, I might give it a go. Do you know whether you can use a sugar substitute to make it more suitable for a diabetic?
  • Piksychick Jun 16, 2008 @ 11:08 am | delete
    I have never had homemade ginger beer, but I do like the bottled stuff. Yummy!
  • RabidRoo Jun 16, 2008 @ 9:13 am | delete
    I have been given this site as i suffer from severe constant reflux and ginger helps it alot.
    Looking forward taking it for a test brew and drink..
    Thanks muchly
  • ms-giggles May 1, 2008 @ 12:34 pm | delete
    Cheers to your lens!!! I give it, 5 Beers....
    I'm going to make Ginger Beer and when its ready to drink I'll let you know what I think.
    Ginger is really good for you, so will call this the healthy Beer.
    Thanks Beth
    Come visit one of my lenses. I know something you don't know it starts with a G and it changes peoples lives...
  • poddys Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:42 am | delete
    Yet another great lens - you definitely know how to make them interesting. Good luck with this one.

    We had family friends back in the 60's in England who used to make their own Ginger Beer from a plant. I remember it was good, but a bit spicy sometimes for a young boy. Of course they never bothered about the fact that they were giving you alcohol in those days...

    Ginger Beer is still popular in parts of the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, and Ginger Ale is a very popular soda drink in The Bahamas, not just as a mixer with Whisky.
  • KimGiancaterino Apr 25, 2008 @ 12:26 pm | delete
    The quick ginger beer sounds good. I'll have to try it sometime. Welcome to Culinary Favorites from A-Z.

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