Ginger Beer

HappyIdiotTalk

I'm just having a crack at making some ginger beer which apparently only requires a couple of days in the demi-johns.

So... as it was so simple and easy, I was wondering what else I could have a go at this weekend? Has anyone got any other suggestions I could have a go at? I was wondering about dandilion and burdock for example?

Also, the recipe called for cream of tartar, anyone know what that does? And why does it need yeast for that matter, this isn't afterall alcoholic!

thriftlady_2

I think it is alcoholic, but not very I have a ginger beer kit waiting to be tried out. Must get on with it, project to do with the kids in the holidays.

The perfect drink to make now would be elderflower cordial. There are threads on it if you do a search.

Basically all you do is gather 20-30 elderflower heads. It's best to do it on a dry day. Put them in a large bowl with the zest of a 2-3 of lemons. Cover with just boiled water -about 2 litres. Leave to infuse overnight.

Next day strain liquid (through a muslin cloth or jelly bag is best to get all the bits). Measure your liquid and for every 500ml add 350gm sugar and 50ml lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into sterilised bottles. It will keep in the fridge for a few weeks. If you want to keep it longer either add tartaric acid (sorry can't remember how much) or freeze.

What I do is fill 2 750ml passata bottles and refrigerate then pour the rest into similar sized tubs and put them in the freezer. Then I can defrost them and pour into the bottles.

Dilute it to taste with water, sparkling is nice.

Bongedone

Here is an easy Ginger beer recipe:

http://www.vurt.co.uk/2005/06/15/GingerBeer/

You can also just make a ginger cordial that does not involve brewing.

kingkano

Ginger beer made in a demijohn is alcoholic! The sugar is converted by the yeast into alcohol. If you made it in a sealed coke bottle it wouldnt be alcoholic (instead its 'sparkling' - fizzy lol). But I wouldn't worry - its not strong stuff (hence only needing a couple of days).

THe cream of tartar is for a few reasons. Its an acid, and yeast multiplies and works faster in acid conditions. It also balances the taste, and helps the ginger beer to hold fizz/a head if you carbonate it. Plus a few other minor bits You could get away without it, but its nicer if you can use it!

HTH

wannabe_sybil

I tried making Ginger Beer once.

If you make it and put it in pop bottles then be careful. When you open them, the fizz doesn't fade like it does with cola or lemonade, it just keeps coming. I thought I was in a special effects studio as this wave of froth just washed all over the counter and onto the floor. It took me some time to clear it up.

Alcoholic sounds a lot better!

HappyIdiotTalk

wannabe_sybil wrote: »

I tried making Ginger Beer once.

If you make it and put it in pop bottles then be careful. When you open them, the fizz doesn't fade like it does with cola or lemonade, it just keeps coming. I thought I was in a special effects studio as this wave of froth just washed all over the counter and onto the floor. It took me some time to clear it up.

Alcoholic sounds a lot better!

I know what you mean, I made some about... 20 years ago when I was but a wee teenager. I drank some very very fizzy ginger beer, and then watched in awe as my belly blew up something from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. Que the most intense and long burp ever!

@kingkano - I didn't know that, would it be safe for a 2 and 4 year old?

@thriftlady - Cordial strikes fear into my heart - memories of harsh battery acid stuff from years gone by... But then it would have been commericial stuff I drank, and I'm sure make it yourself is much nicer... isn't it?

thriftlady_2

HappyIdiotTalk wrote: »

@thriftlady - Cordial strikes fear into my heart - memories of harsh battery acid stuff from years gone by... But then it would have been commericial stuff I drank, and I'm sure make it yourself is much nicer... isn't it?

Oh goodness yes, it isn't at all like battery acid. In fact it isn't really acidic at all quite the opposite -sweet and flowery. I really recommend you try it;)

HappyIdiotTalk

Is this what I'm looking for?

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/ZbkKwc53T3QARfjAG0fhAw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOv4xKy6yuaaCQ&feat=directlink

Its growing at DD1's school gates, I might raid it when I pick her up tomorrow.

thriftlady_2

HappyIdiotTalk wrote: »

Is this what I'm looking for?

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/ZbkKwc53T3QARfjAG0fhAw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOv4xKy6yuaaCQ&feat=directlink

Its growing at DD1's school gates, I might raid it when I pick her up tomorrow.

That's the stuff;)

kingkano

HappyIdiotTalk wrote: »

I know what you mean, I made some about... 20 years ago when I was but a wee teenager. I drank some very very fizzy ginger beer, and then watched in awe as my belly blew up something from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. Que the most intense and long burp ever!

@kingkano - I didn't know that, would it be safe for a 2 and 4 year old?

@thriftlady - Cordial strikes fear into my heart - memories of harsh battery acid stuff from years gone by... But then it would have been commericial stuff I drank, and I'm sure make it yourself is much nicer... isn't it?

I should imagine there is no danger, it would be a very low level of 1% or something. It really depends how much sugar was included in the recipe.

HappyIdiotTalk

OK folks, the ginger beer is made. Had a first taste on Sunday. I'm a bit disappointed with it, its not sweet enough (I'm not into really sugary - but it needs to be sweeter), its not gingery enough, and it tasted a bit yeasty...

Any ideas on what went wrong? Would more sugar and ginger and less yeast do the trick for the next attempt?

As it is, I'm not sure I want to drink my first lot. Its not disgusting, but it doesn't do anything for me either.