Ginger Ale Syrup

Ginger ale is tasty and good for upset tummys. But the stuff from the grocery store just isn't zingy enough for me. So I like to make my own, and you can too. I've tried the kind of recipe where you use fermentation to generate the fizz directly in the drink, but I just couldn't get the hang of it. This recipe is quite simple, and the result is the best ginger ale I've ever had.

Step 1: Ingredients & tools

Ingredients
ginger
sugar - white
water
limes

Tools
vegetable peeler
knife
juicer
measuring cup
sauce pan (or two)
grater
strainer
funnel
empty 2-liter soda bottle

Comments

[gmgj]

To clarify; a like amount of sugar is 7 cups?

[loximuthal]

Yes. Water and sugar are approx 1:1, but adjust to your taste.

[Mark_in_Hollywood]

Now, we are only one small step away from making Vernor's Ginger Ale!! Hooray!

[gizmology]

Mark, this is better than that -- much closer to Reed's Original Ginger Brew! The great thing about making your own is that you can make it as spicy as you want -- the more ginger you use and the longer you let it simmer, the spicier it is. I found when I was using fresh ginger as an anti-nausea remedy that most big commercial brands of ginger ale don't use enough real ginger to have any effect at all, besides not having much of a real spicy ginger taste. Once you've made your own, you won't be able to go back! :)

[rubyredruby]

How long does the syrup keep? Should it be refrigerated? I was thinking of making this for Christmas gifts, but I need to know how long it keeps! Thanks!

[gizmology]

I make a similar ginger syrup, and the last time I did it I didn't use it up fast enough, so I discovered that it went bad after about three weeks in the fridge. If you left it out at room temp., it might not make it more than a day or two. Like Loxi said, I wouldn't wrap it and put it under the tree! ;)

[loximuthal]

I've not tested how long it lasts before going off (too yummy!), but since it is basically sugar water I keep it in the fridge so the little creepy-crawlies don't grow too fast in it. I'm sure it could stand a few hours at room temperature, but personally I'd be a bit wary of leaving it longer than that.

[Mhbaben]

Will definiely try this. I tried to make this once from a recipe I saw and was disappointed as it didn't have enough flavor. This looks great. I didn't add anywhere near a whole hand when I did it. Thank you.

[Focker]

Omg, I drink waaaaaay to much ginger ale as it is, but now I can experiment with different flavors! Hmmm. . . pomegranate ginger ale. . . . great ible!

[loximuthal]

Oooh! I like that idea. I'll have to try some, too.

[atombomb1945]

Nice and simple instructions. Good work. Have you thought about using a syrup pump for dispensing it out?

[loximuthal]

Good idea. But the "syrup" is pretty runny, basically the viscosity of water, so pouring is easy.