Ginger Beer

I don't think you can find a more refreshing and soothing drink than ginger beer. Ginger beer is, in fact, different from ginger ale. The beer has alcohol (thus the name...obviously) from yeast fermentation while ginger ale is non-alcoholic. The ale is typically made with a ginger simple syrup that is mixed with soda water, which creates a similar effect and is much quicker. The beer on the other hand relies on yeast to ferment the sugars to create the carbonation while spitting out a wee bit of alcohol (seriously...it's only ~0.5% alcohol by volume). I think ginger beer is often tastier and more ginger-ey, which is why I decided to make it over the ale.

Jessica actually sent me this recipe.

2-4 ounces ginger juice (depends on how spicy you want it).
Alternatively you could use a ~3-4 inch piece of ginger and finely mince it if you don't have access to a juicer
4 ounces fresh lemon juice
6 ounces granulated sugar
.8g or 1/4 teaspoon of baker's yeast (I used active dry)

Makes 2 liters

It is very important that you use plastic and not glass. The yeast are fermenting the sugars and therefore putting of carbon dioxide gas and ethanol...this has the possibility of creating a very unpleasant glass bomb. The plastic can still break (less likely), but it will be a much easier and safer clean up.

Combine all ingredients into either a 2L plastic bottle or two 1L plastic bottles. Fill the bottles the rest of the way up with water leaving ~1" headroom. Cap and shake to combine everything. Stash the bottle(s) in a warm spot that is ~70F for 24-48 hours. You'll know the beer is ready when you push on the plastic and it does not give anymore (another reason to use plastic bottles!). Place the bottles in the fridge for at least 4 hours before opening allowing for the fermentation to be retarded and the carbon dioxide to dissolve into the water. When you uncap the bottle be careful...it could take anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes to unscrew it without the beer exploding everywhere.

Enjoy either plain over ice or with a good bourbon/rye (I used Rye 1)!

You could also add in other flavors/herbs to the beer when you mix the ingredients together to make a herb scented ginger beer. Or, maybe, one could try using honey...hmmm.