Ginger Beer

Bon Appetit magazine’s current issue is all about the Caribbean—where to stay, what to do, and of course what to eat. Although reading about the various islands was interesting, I was most interested in reading the various recipes that are traditional to the region.

Amongst all the enticing recipes in my Bon Appetit magazine, I spotted a recipe for a Ginger Beer. How interesting is that? I have always loved ginger beer, so to make it myself using fresh ginger was very exciting (please remember that I am a bit of a food dork—a “forky”, if you will. Ha, ha!).

This recipe does take some time in that you need to start it 24 hours prior to serving; however, overall it was quite easy and simple. The end result? Fabulous! It is such a refreshing, simple drink with a great bite to it. I also think it would be great mixed with vodka to make a ginger martini. Doesn’t that sound great? What a fun drink to serve guests!

So here is the recipe, adapted from Bon Appetit (per 6-8 servings):

• 6 cups Water
• 1 lb Fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 2 ½ cups)
• 1 cup Sugar (brown or white)
• Ice
• 1 Lime, cut into 6-8 wedges

1. Boil water. As you are waiting for the water to boil, put ginger in a food processor to finely chop it. If you do not have a food processor, just chop the ginger as finely as possible with a knife.
2. Once water begins to boil, add it to a large bowl. Then add the finely chopped ginger to the bowl and mix it with the water.
3. Loosely cover the bowl with tin foil. Let this sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. Strain the water/ginger mixture into a pitcher and discard the ginger pulp.
5. Mix the sugar into the ginger water until it is fully dissolved.
6. To serve, pour mixture over ice-filled glasses. Garnish glasses with lime wedges.

Bon Appetit suggests that if the drink is too strong, just add club soda. I really think y’all will like this drink—it is a great drink for a summer day!