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Jamaican Ginger Beer
A Little Background And An Easy Recipe

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Jamaican Ginger BeerJamaican Ginger Beer

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Ginger is a very popular flavour in Jamaica. There are biscuits, pastry, stews even ice cream that is ginger flavoured. But the most popular product is by far Jamaican Ginger Beer. We all occasionally wonder about the health benefits of the things we are having. Don’t worry I’ll share them with you, that way you can drink your ginger beer with a clear conscience. Also, have you ever thought of making your own authentic batch of Jamaican Ginger beer? Just in case you have, I will be sharing a recipe with you as well.

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What Is Ginger Beer?

Ginger beer is a fermented non-alcoholic drink that originated in England during the 1700s. The drink is made simply from grounded ginger, sugar, water and lemon juice. It also will include yeast, cream of tartar, chewstick or rice as the fermenting agent.

Most people are more familiar with the carbonated versions of the drink, which is quite refreshing and very popular here in Jamaica. However, the homemade version is non-carbonated and has considerably more zing than the carbonated variety.

Is Jamaican Ginger Beer Alcoholic?

Is ginger beer actually beer? No, it isn’t, although I can see why you would be confused. The word beer is in the name after all. It is called a “beer” because it actually had alcohol when it was first being made in England. The process of making homemade ginger beer today is quite similar to making an alcoholic beer and if left for long enough to ferment, can actually become alcoholic. Commercial carbonated versions of the drink however are not alcoholic.

One other source of confusion is the fact that it is actually a favourite at bars when making cocktails because of its strong ginger flavour and sweet undertones. It is able to add character to the drink without being overpowering. So you can have just a regular Jamaican Ginger Beer without worrying about being intoxicated. However, if you are on the search for a good alcoholic beverage that includes ginger beer, you can try:

  • Moscow Mule
  • Dark and Stormy
  • Irish Mule
  • Ginger Beer Margaritas
  • Ginger Rickey
  • And White White Ginger Beer Sangria

Is Ginger Beer Good For You?

Yes, it is. Ginger, its main ingredient is packed with nutritious benefits that:

  • assists with joint pain
  • improves digestion
  • lessens the chances of cancer
  • lessens the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation.
  • Prevents and treats diabetes
  • It is common knowledge too that ginger eases nausea and vomiting and so a bottle of ginger beer is always on hand for long trips in a car, hangovers or morning sickness during pregnancy. 
  • Even the carbonated versions of the drink are generally healthier than other carbonated options.

What Is The Difference Between Ginger Beer And Ginger Ale?

No, they are not the same. While they are similar to some degree. The processes and ingredients used to make both drinks are different, thus yielding different results. Ginger Ale is lighter, sweeter and more carbonated. Ginger Beer has a stronger gingery flavour and is less sweet.

What Is The Great Jamaican Ginger Beer?

The great Jamaican Ginger Beer is a brand that produces carbonated ginger beer beverages known for having an extra kick than the other brands of the drink. The Great Jamaican Ginger Beer has the same ingredients as other ginger beers.

While we love the carbonated versions of the drink, nothing beats homemade and I think that’s something we can all agree on. So, I will share with you a recipe for an authentic Jamaican Ginger Beer Recipe.

Jamaican Ginger Beer Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound ginger
  • 2 1/2 quarts water
  • 8 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 3 oz Lime Juice
  • Cloves
  • Leavening Agent:
  • Rice, yeast, cream of tartar, chewstick

PROCEDURE

  • Ensure your ginger is washed properly to remove all the residual soil.
  • Using a knife, scrape the skin from the ginger and remove all blemishes.
  • If you will be blending the ginger, cut them into appropriate pieces and add them to the blender. 
  • If you aren’t then it is best to keep the ginger root whole and grate it carefully. 
  • Bring the water to a boil, then, in a large container pour the water over the grated ginger and add a few cloves. It would be ideal to let this rest for 24 hours, however, if you are on a time crunch 4-6 hours should be enough.
  • This step is also where you add your fermenting agent, in Jamaica the most commonly used item is a chewstick, that we purchase at the market. But in case that is not available a cup of rice in a strainer bag to prevent the grains from getting into the drink. Yeast or cream of tartar can also be used.
  • Strain the mixture through a fine strainer in a mixing bowl. If you don’t have a fine strainer add cheesecloth to the strainer to prevent the shredded ginger, rice and cloves from getting into the drink
  • Now we are almost done. All that is left to do is sweeten to your liking and serve.

This will make an exceptional cocktail, however, it is just as great on its own over some crushed ice.

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Return to Jamaican Drinks from Jamaican Ginger Beer
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References & Sources For Jamaican Ginger Beer

  1. 17 Best Ginger Beer Cocktails - Insanely Good,  https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/ginger-beer-cocktails/  
  2. Jamaican Ginger, https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican-ginger.html 
  3. What is the Difference Between Ginger Ale and Jamaican Ginger Beer? | The Oxford Social Club,https://theoxfordsd.com/difference-between-ginger-ale-and-ginger-beer/  
  4. What Is Ginger Beer? (Benefits & Differences Between Ginger Ale), https://renegadebrewing.com/what-is-ginger-beer/ 
  5. 5 Proven Benefits of Drinking Ginger Beer - OTC Beverages,https://otcbeverages.com/5-proven-benefits-of-drinking-ginger-beer/

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