Naturally carbonated ginger ale made from a ginger bug starter. This recipe includes instructions for creating the ginger bug, which is essential for fermentation, followed by the steps to brew the ginger ale itself.
Part 1: Prepare the Ginger Bug Starter (requires 7-8 days)
1. In a clean glass jar, mix together 2 cups of filtered water, 1 tbsp of organic chopped ginger, and 1 tbsp of honey. Cover the glass jar in any way that doesn’t make it airtight. Let this sit somewhere at room temp, out of direct sunlight for 24 hours.
2. Then, for the next 5-7 days, feed it 1 tsp of ginger & 1 tsp of honey every 24 hours. After about 2 days, you should start to see bubbles & after about 5 days it should start to smell like vinegar.
3. After a week of regular feeding, strain out the ginger and you have a ginger bug ready to use! Once you use any of the ginger bug, replace the liquid and add 1 teaspoon each of ginger and honey to maintain it.
Part 2: Make the Homemade Ginger Ale
1. Start by steeping 1/4 cup of chopped organic ginger in 2 cups of filtered water. Bring the water to a boil and then add in the ginger + 1/2 cup of agave syrup. Stir together and let cook for 5 minutes.
2. Turn off the heat and let it completely cool.
3. Strain out the ginger and transfer to a clean pitcher or large mason jar.
4. Add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup of the prepared ginger bug starter, and 4 cups of filtered water. Mix together.
5. Using a funnel, transfer to 16oz swing top bottles.
6. Let these sit somewhere at room temp for 24 hours before enjoying! After 24 hours, store it in the fridge if you’re not going to drink right away.
