how2heroes » Ginger Beer

Beverages » Ginger Beer

Kristi McNeil shares the secrets to Tupelo restaurant's spicy, house-made ginger beer. Originating as a fermented, alcoholic libation in 18h century England, ginger beer has now been popularized as a spicy, non-alcoholic drink that is enjoyed as-is or mixed with dark rum for the infamous "Dark & Stormy" cocktail. Kristi's ginger beer consists of potent ginger simple syrup, poured over ice and topped with soda water and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Print Recipe

10-15 pint-sized servings

Ingredients

Ginger Simple Syrup

2 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups ginger, peeled & chopped (about 1 large hand)

Ginger Beer (for one drink)

ice
3-4 oz ginger simple syrup or to taste (recipe above)
juice of ½ - 1 lime
soda water to fill
lime wedges & candied ginger to garnish (optional)

How-to

Make Ginger Syrup

Place all ingredients in large pot
Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes
Allow to cool completely, then pass through a fine-mesh strainer to remove ginger
Store in air-tight container in refrigerator for 1-2 weeks

Make Ginger Beer

Fill a 16 oz pint glass with ice
Add lime juice and 3-4 oz of ginger syrup (or, more or less to taste)
Fill with soda water. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge and candied ginger if desired