Ginger Beer: A Refreshing Beverage For All?

Ginger beer is a popular drink with a unique flavour profile that is enjoyed all over the world. It is made by fermenting water, sugar, and ginger, and then carbonating it to make it bubbly. Although it is called beer, ginger beer is not typically alcoholic. However, traditional ginger beer from the 1800s did have an alcohol content of around 11%. Today, ginger beer has less than 0.5% alcohol, classifying it as a non-alcoholic beverage. Ginger beer is often used as a mixer in cocktails such as the Moscow Mule and Dark 'n' Stormy, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.

Ginger beer's versatility as a mixer

Ginger beer is an incredibly versatile mixer, pairing well with a variety of spirits, including vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, and gin. Its robust flavour and spice mean it can stand up to other strong flavours, while also being able to complement them.

The most well-known cocktail featuring ginger beer is the Moscow Mule, which combines ginger beer with vodka and lime juice. However, the possibilities are endless when it comes to ginger beer cocktails. For example, a Dark and Stormy is made with ginger beer and dark rum, while a tequila and ginger beer cocktail, such as a margarita or a Paloma, will give the drink an extra kick. For those who prefer their drinks a little less boozy, ginger beer is also a great addition to mocktails, adding a tangy, spicy kick.

The type of ginger beer used will also have an impact on the final cocktail. Some ginger beers are sweeter than others, and these tend to pair well with spicier drinks. Other ginger beers pack a serious punch of ginger, which can be great for standing out in any cocktail, from a Moscow Mule to a tequila and apple cooler with a splash of maple syrup. The manner in which ginger beer is made also affects the flavour, with some brews zestier than others. So, when creating cocktails with ginger beer, it's important to consider the other ingredients and choose a ginger beer that will complement the flavours.

The drink's history and how it differs from ginger ale

Ginger beer was first created in Yorkshire, England, in the mid-18th century during the colonial spice trade. It was made by mixing ginger, sugar, water, and optional lemon and/or cream of tartar and leaving the mixture to ferment. The name "beer" refers to the production method, which is similar to that of beer. The Ginger Beer "Plant"" is the community of bacteria and yeast that make up the fermented solids of the drink. This gelatinous mass is made up of the yeast Saccharomyces florentinus and the bacterium Lactobacillus hilgardii.

Brewed ginger beer became popular in Britain, the United States, Ireland, South Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada, reaching its peak of popularity in the early 20th century. Traditional ginger beer had an alcohol content of around 11%. However, modern ginger beer is typically manufactured rather than brewed and is carbonated with pressurized carbon dioxide, resulting in a non-alcoholic beverage with less than 0.5% alcohol.

Ginger ale, on the other hand, was first manufactured in the 1850s in Belfast, Ireland, by an Irish apothecary and surgeon named Thomas Joseph Cantrell. It was then modernized in 1907 by Canadian John McLaughlin. Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink flavoured with ginger extract, while ginger beer contains real ginger root and has a stronger, spicier flavour. Ginger ale is generally sweeter and milder than ginger beer and is often used as a mixer for alcoholic drinks, although it can also be consumed on its own. Ginger beer, on the other hand, is typically enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails like the Moscow Mule or Dark 'N' Stormy.

Ginger beer's alcohol content

Ginger beer is a sweetened carbonated drink with a strong ginger flavour and a spicy kick. It is often used as a mixer in cocktails such as the Moscow Mule or Dark and Stormy.

Ginger Beer's Alcoholic History

Ginger beer originated in England in the 1800s and was made by fermenting and brewing sugar, ginger, water, and sometimes lemon. This process created a drink with an alcohol content of around 11%, which is roughly twice the strength of a typical light beer.

Ginger Beer Today

Today, most commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic or contain very little alcohol. Due to changes in legislation during the prohibition era, any beverage below 0.5% ABV is considered a soft drink. As a result, modern ginger beer is carbonated rather than fermented, and typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol.

Alcohol-Free Ginger Beer

Ginger beer's unique flavour makes it a versatile mixer for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It can be consumed straight up or used in cocktails and mocktails.

Its health benefits

Ginger beer has been around for about 200 years and is a beverage made from fresh or dried ginger, sugar, and lemon juice. It is often used as a mixer in drinks, such as the Moscow Mule, but can also be drunk on its own.

Relieves Nausea and Improves Digestion

According to studies by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, ginger beer can help with nausea and morning sickness by enhancing digestion and helping food move smoothly through the stomach. Ginger's active substances, gingerol and shogaol, are effective agents in relieving stomach irritation and other digestive discomforts. They also help activate saliva and bile production, which assists in digestion.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Ginger contains compounds that can effectively suppress inflammation and aid in pain relief. A 2013 laboratory study found that ginger can curb rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism as effectively as steroids. Regular intake of ginger can also help suppress tissue inflammation and protect the body against diseases caused by various infectious agents and harmful habits like smoking.

Anti-Cancer Properties

While the effectiveness of ginger beer in preventing cancer is not yet conclusive, early indications show that its active compounds, including gingerol and shogaol, exhibit anti-cancer properties. Studies have found that ginger can kill off colorectal cancer cells and prevent their regrowth.

Anti-Bacterial Properties

Ginger's anti-bacterial properties make it a primary ingredient in many culinary recipes and traditional medicines. Active compounds in ginger make it a potent antibacterial agent. Studies have shown that ginger extracts can effectively suppress respiratory tract pathogens and microbial activity.

Slows Down Signs of Aging

Drinking ginger beer can help delay the physical signs of aging. Its aroma can lift spirits and reduce stress, which expedites the aging process. Ginger beer can also promote good mental health and has traditionally been used to treat mental problems like memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

How to make it at home

Ginger beer is a popular drink that can be consumed on its own or as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails. While it is available in stores, you can also make it at home. Here is a detailed guide on how to make ginger beer at home:

Ingredients:

• Freshly grated ginger
• Sugar
• Lemon or lime juice
• Active dry yeast or brewer's yeast
• Filtered or distilled water
• (Optional) Cream of tartar

Instructions:

• Prepare a simple syrup by mixing sugar, grated ginger, and water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Allow the mixture to cool, then strain it to remove the ginger solids. You now have ginger syrup.
• For fermentation, add the yeast, lemon/lime juice, and water to the syrup.
• Pour the mixture into a clean, 2-liter plastic bottle (or two 1-liter bottles) using a funnel. Leave some space at the top to allow for carbon dioxide production.
• Store the bottle in a dark, warm place for 2-3 days. The fermentation process will produce fizz and a slight alcohol content.
• During fermentation, release the pressure in the bottle by carefully loosening the cap a few times a day. This step is crucial to prevent the bottle from exploding due to built-up pressure.
• After fermentation, store the ginger beer in the refrigerator to prevent further fermentation and slow the process.
• Consume within 1-2 weeks, as it is perishable.

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of ginger and sugar to your taste preferences.
• Be cautious when opening the bottle, as the beverage will be carbonated and pressurized.
• Always use plastic bottles for fermentation and avoid glass bottles, as they can explode under pressure.
• For a non-alcoholic version, skip the fermentation process and mix the ginger syrup with seltzer water or club soda.

Making ginger beer at home is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to customize your drink to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade ginger beer as a refreshing beverage or use it as a mixer for cocktails!

Frequently asked questions