How To Make Your Own Natural Fizzy Ginger Ale

I love ginger ale. This delicious and refreshing beverage is packed with health-promoting nutrients, beneficial enzymes, and probiotics. So instead of grabbing a soda, try and make this natural and health-boosting alternative.

Ginger ale can be used as a tonic to cure digestive complaints such as cramps, upset stomach, gas, nausea, and bloating. If you are new to probiotics I’d suggest you start with small amounts and work your way up.

ALSO READ: Probiotics 101 

Fizzy Ginger Ale aka Ginger Beer

Ingredients

• 2-inch piece fresh ginger root, minced (or to taste. We love a strong ginger taste and usually use a bit more)
• ½ cup raw organic sugar (to feed the friendly bacteria 😉 )
• ½ cup fresh lemon or lime juice
• ½ teaspoon salt (click here to learn more about which salt is best)
• 8 cups filtered water
• ½ cup homemade ginger bug (click here for the recipe) or ¼ cup whey (I prefer the taste of the ginger bug though)

FYI: the bacteria will feed on the sugar (lacto-fermentation process) and no sugar or very little of the sugar will remain in the end product!!!

How To…

• In a saucepan, bring 3 cups water, minced ginger, sugar, and salt to a boil.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, make sure all sugar is dissolved.
• Remove from heat and add the rest of the water. Make sure the mixture is at room temperature before you go any further. Adding the bug to the hot liquid will kill the beneficial bacteria.
• Add lemon juice and ginger bug. Stir well.
• Pour into a Mason jar with tight-fitting lid.
• Close the lid and incubate for 2 to 3 days on the counter until carbonated. Check regularly and do not let it become too fuzzy to avoid an exploding jar.
• Transfer to the fridge and it will last for ages.
• Strain before drinking.

To add even more flavor and nutrients you could add fresh apple juice just before serving. It’s a super yummy and refreshing combo.

Enjoy!

Important note: if you use whey, stir occasionally and keep a close look on it. It takes less time to ferment than a ginger bug and it also depends on the temperature. Regularly check the ale. It should bubble and hiss when you remove the lid.