3 Ingredient Homemade Fermented Ginger Beer

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to making homemade ginger beer using a ginger bug, a natural fermentation starter similar to sourdough. The creator explains the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale, emphasizing its natural carbonation, slightly spicy flavor, and health benefits. Viewers learn how to cultivate a ginger bug, prepare the ginger beer mixture, and safely bottle and ferment it for a fizzy, refreshing drink. Tips for labeling, burping bottles, and using the ginger bug for other effervescent beverages are included, making the process approachable, fun, and perfect for anyone interested in DIY fermented drinks.

Takeaways

• 🥤 Ginger beer is a naturally flavored and naturally carbonated beverage, spicier and less sweet than ginger ale.
• 🍹 It is a key ingredient in cocktails like the Moscow Mule.
• 🌱 Homemade ginger beer can be fermented using a 'ginger bug', similar to a sourdough starter.
• 💧 To start a ginger bug, combine 2 cups (500ml) of filtered water, 2 tablespoons (28g) of sugar, and 2 tablespoons (22g) of finely chopped ginger in a glass or plastic container.
• 🧴 Metal containers should be avoided because the acidic mixture can react with metal.
• ⏳ Feed the ginger bug daily by adding the same amount of ginger and sugar until it becomes fizzy, which usually takes 2–3 days.
• 🔥 To make ginger beer, boil 2 quarts of water with sugar and grated ginger, then simmer for 5–8 minutes and allow it to cool to room temperature.
• 🍋 Once cooled, strain the mixture, add half a cup (110g) of ginger bug and the juice of three lemons, then transfer to flip-top bottles.
• ⏲️ Bottles should sit at room temperature for 3–6 days until fizzy, with daily burping to release pressure to prevent explosions.
• ❄️ Once desired fizziness is reached, refrigerate the bottles; burping is no longer needed in the fridge.
• ✨ The ginger bug can be reused to make other effervescent sodas beyond ginger beer.
• 📝 Labeling containers with start dates is important for tracking fermentation progress.

Q & A

What is the main difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?

Ginger beer is naturally flavored and naturally carbonated, slightly less sweet, and spicier due to ginger, whereas ginger ale is often artificially carbonated and sweeter, sometimes containing high fructose corn syrup.

Why does the recipe suggest not using metal containers for the ginger bug?

Metal containers can react with the acidic mixture during fermentation, which could negatively affect the taste and safety of the ginger bug. Glass or plastic is recommended.

What is a ginger bug and how is it similar to a sourdough starter?

A ginger bug is a cultured mixture of ginger, sugar, and water that cultivates wild yeast. It's similar to a sourdough starter because it develops natural fermentation over several days and is used to ferment other ingredients.

How do you feed a ginger bug, and how often should you do it?

You feed the ginger bug by adding the same amount of chopped ginger and sugar every 24 hours until it becomes fizzy, usually taking 2-3 days.

Why is it important to let the ginger beer mixture cool to room temperature before adding the ginger bug?

Adding the ginger bug to a mixture that is too hot could kill the yeast, preventing fermentation and carbonation from occurring.

How much sugar and ginger should be added to the ginger beer base during preparation?

The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons (273 grams) of sugar and 1/4 cup (54 grams) of grated ginger for two quarts of water, though sugar can be slightly reduced to a minimum of 1/2 cup (63 grams).

What type of bottles are recommended for fermenting the ginger beer, and why?

Flip-top bottles are recommended because they can safely contain carbonation. It's important to leave at least 2 inches of headroom and occasionally release pressure to prevent explosions.

How long should ginger beer sit at room temperature before refrigeration?

Ginger beer should sit at room temperature for 3-6 days or until it reaches the desired fizziness, and the bottles should be burped daily to release excess pressure.

Can a ginger bug be used for other beverages besides ginger beer?

Yes, once established, a ginger bug can be used to ferment other liquids, effectively turning them into naturally carbonated, effervescent sodas.

What are some tips for maintaining a ginger bug over time?

Label the container to track feeding dates, consistently add sugar and ginger daily without adding water, and ensure the mixture stays at room temperature to keep the yeast active.

Why is it important to strain the ginger beer mixture after simmering?

Straining removes the solid pieces of ginger and ensures a smoother beverage, while pressing out the juices captures all the flavor for fermentation.