Christmas for so many reasons is one of my favorite holidays. I feel like it’s definitely one of those holidays that brings families together from near and far. Every time I think of ginger beer I reminisce on the good old days of everyone gathering at our house on Christmas. My mom would literally have a feast prepared with ginger beer to ‘wash’ everything down J while she played her sweet oldies music oh so loud in the background. Oh how I miss those days. I hope that this recipe brings back wonderful memories for you too as it did for me.

Ginger beer is certainly a Caribbean must have during the holidays. Depending on what part of the Caribbean you’re from, the ingredients may be slightly different but one thing for sure is that, we all infuse it with some form of spice.   Ginger has so many health benefits; it can aid in nausea, digestion and  the common cold. These benefits come from its active ingredient called Gingerol. Gingerol has a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.  In West Africa this beverage is referred to as Ginger drink or juice. The lemon adds a really nice kick to the drink and it will certainly get you in the Holiday spirit. Making Homemade Ginger beer is so much better than the store bought ones due to the natural ingredients and it is NOT carbonated; sorry no bubbles over here.

This recipe is pretty easy to make and once you start with one glass it’s uphill from there.

Helpful Tips

1. After washing the Ginger do not peel off the skin. You want to get ALL of the nutritional value of the ginger. Blend it all up as you will strain it anyways
2. I have only used this recipe with brown sugar. Traditionally, that’s the way to make it
3. I prefer lemons to lime for Ginger beer. This is just my preference, as to me the lime is more acidic
4. The sugar really is based on your preference as well. Add in small amounts then taste test to your liking
5. If you do not have a blender or food processor you can also grate the ginger
6. For best results allow the ginger beer to sit overnight; that way the water can draw all the nutritional properties

Storage and Shelf Life

Any left over Ginger Beer can be stored in the Fridge. If kept in the fridge it can last up to 7 days perhaps longer.

Ingredients

• 2 large ginger; diced into small pieces(see image)
• 15 pieces clove
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 2 cups of water to blend
• 1 -1 ½ cup brown Sugar
• 4 cups of water
• 3 large lemons 

Directions

1. Wash Ginger and then diced into small pieces to pulse in food processor or blender. Pulse with water for 5 minutes.
2. Add clove, cinnamon and ginger mixture to a pot on medium heat.
3. Boil mixture for 3-5 minutes then allow to rest overnight
4. The next morning strain mixture using a thin strainer
5. Squeeze 3 lemons into the mixture. Mix well
6. Add sugar. Mix very well to dissolve
7. Serve cold
8. Garnish with lemons, ginger and mint leaves