Thursday, June 07, 2007

Ginger Beer

Summer is the time for picnics, get-togethers, and being outdoors in the lovely sunshine. It's also the time when you start seeking out new ways to cool yourself down, and nothing does that quite like a frosty beverage. (Well, that and the AC on high, but that's a different story)

Last year, I introduced the Ginger Lemon Cooler as a tasty beverage that would be an interesting addition to your summer beverage rotation. I wanted to find another such beverage - one that was refreshing and tasty, yet not your normal lemonade.

I was flipping through "In Nirmala's Kitchen," which is a wonderful cookbook for those who love foods from all over the world, when I discovered this recipe for Bahamian Ginger Beer. I had all of the ingredients on hand, so I thought I'd give it the old college try. I must admit it came out much better than I expected and the combination of ingredients make a very tasty beverage. If you're a ginger lover, then I highly recommend this.

Ginger Beer

Ginger Beer
1/2 lb fresh ginger, peeled
6 allspice berries
2 whole star anise
1/2 c fresh lime juice
1 c brown sugar
Soda water

Grate ginger using a coarse grater. In a large saucepan, combine 8 cups cold water with ginger, allspice, and star anise. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and brown sugar, and allow to cool completely. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher and refrigerate until well chilled. To serve, pour over ice, using a combination of 2/3 ginger beer and 1/3 soda water.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh wow...this looks really tasty! I've never tried making this as a homemade beverage, but I love me some good ginger beer. I'm going to give this recipe a try. My parents are coming out to visit this summer, and my Mom, in particular, loves ginger beer -- I want to give it a whirl and wow her!

Anonymous said...

sounds very good!

Lucy said...

Fiber, that's a gorgeous summer drink. All my favourite spices AND ginger.

eviedee said...

Yum! Ginger beer is a summertime staple in our home, I can't wait to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing! :)

Linda said...

what a perfect drink! can't wait to try it this weekend!

Anonymous said...

Ginger beer, never had one and must admit that there needs to be a first time for everything. I love your delicious recipe, could we publish it on our
Daily Recipe Blog?
We will put a link back to your page so you get all the credit, also our visitors might go to your site to see more delicious recipes!
We have every day a new recipe for: General recipes, Breakfast, Low Carb, Low Fat, Desert...
It would be so great to add yours!

Rachael said...

Sounds very interesting! I have a friend who absolutely loves ginger (and ginger beer), but for some unknown reason ginger is just one of those flavors I can't get used to. I'm envious though - the frosty sides of that glass make me want to try this!

mai + kevin said...

oooh ginger beer sounds like a perfect way to beat the heat, we'll have to try this and make some dark and stormies with it too!

Anonymous said...

Oi, achei teu blog pelo google tá bem interessante gostei desse post. Quando der dá uma passada pelo meu blog, é sobre camisetas personalizadas, mostra passo a passo como criar uma camiseta personalizada bem maneira. Até mais

Anonymous said...

Oi, achei teu blog pelo google tá bem interessante gostei desse post. Quando der dá uma passada pelo meu blog, é sobre camisetas personalizadas, mostra passo a passo como criar uma camiseta personalizada bem maneira. Até mais

Wyv said...

I made this for my housemate (I don't drink ginger beer, but this looked too good not to make!) - and she promptly scoffed a quarter in one night. Thanks for the recipe! I expected the spices to be overpowering, but apparently they were lovely.

Unknown said...

Do you think you can do this with agave syrup?

Unknown said...

Do you think the brown sugar can be substituted with agave syrup or brown rice syrup for a lower glycemic drink?