I recently had a delicious glass of homemade Ginger Ale at my friend Twyla’s house. She gave me her recipe and I also did a little online research and came up with my own. Ginger has some incredible health benefiting qualities that include digestive aid, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. It is now also being researched for its ability to help in the fight against cancer. I have listed at the end of this post informative online resources about the health benefits and healing power of ginger.
First you need some ginger root. I bought a case, but I intend on making ginger syrup at least once a week. You can freeze ginger root. I’m storing it in my garage [which is freezing right now.]
I think the ginger root looks so interesting, almost like a gnarled up piece of tree.
The printable recipe for ginger syrup below is easy. You don’t need to peel it, just dice it up.
After you have ‘whizzed’ it in your food processor, add the ginger, water and sugar to a large saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a full boil and simmer for 15 minutes. It will look a little frothy and foamy.
Allow the mixture to cool. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve and then again through cheese cloth to remove any bits of root. Chill the syrup mixture. I used organic sugar from my local Costco and found a great container at Restaurant Depot.
To serve, I place 2 shot glasses of the syrup in a 6 oz. glass full of ice and fill it with soda water. I like it strong. I plan on drinking at least one glass a day. Cheers! Here’s to your health!
- 2 pound fresh ginger, unpeeled and cut into small dice
- 2½ cups sugar
- 2 quarts or 8 cups of water
- Cubed or crushed ice
- Soda water
- Lime wedges
- 'Whiz' the unpeeled diced ginger in a food processor and process until minced.
- Stop the machine periodically and scrape down the sides.
- Place the puree in a large saucepan with the sugar and 2 quarts of water (that’s 8 cups).
- Bring to a full boil over high heat.
- Reduce to the heat to medium / medium low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat.
- Let cool.
- Strain through a fine sieve and then again through cheese cloth.
- Chill the syrup mixture.
- To serve, place 2 shot glasses of the syrup in a 6 oz. glass full of ice.
- Fill with soda water.
- [Use more or less syrup according to taste.]
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Informative online resources about the health benefits and healing power of ginger:
Ginger Root from Herb Wisdom
The Healing Power of Ginger from The Positive Pear
Natural Healing Uses for Ginger from Planet Save
Complementary Medicine – Ginger from The University of Maryland Medical Center and the Center for Integrative Medicine.