The Best Jamaican Ginger Beer Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for any occasion, try making Jamaican Ginger Beer. This easy traditional recipe is made with fresh ginger, lime juice, and sugar for sweetness. Make a big batch of this non-alcoholic soft drink for all ages to enjoy a cold, flavourful drink anytime.

If you try this recipe, you have to try these Ginger Shots and Honey Ginger Tea recipes! Craving more authentic Jamaican drink recipes? Try the holiday favourite Jamaican Sorrel Drink Recipe, creamy Jamaican Guinness Punch, Peanut Punch and fresh Jamaican Carrot Juice.

The Best Homemade Ginger Beer

One sip of Jamaican ginger beer over ice will have you feeling refreshed and invigorated. If the ginger flavour isn’t strong, then you haven’t made it right! This traditional Jamaican soft drink is not carbonated, has zero alcohol content, and sweetened to taste, so everyone can enjoy it during family get together’s and holidays.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Homemade Ginger Beer Recipe

• Better Than Store Bought Versions – this recipe includes a bubbly carbonated version like what you’ll find at the store but nothing tastes better than homemade ginger beer. 
• Easy to Make – learning how to make ginger beer is a simple process, The hardest part is waiting for the ginger flavour to infuse the water.
• A Nutritious Drink – made with fresh Jamaican ginger and no artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, this drink tastes amazing but it’s good for you too!
• Better than Ginger Ale – ginger ale and ginger beer are quite similar however this authentic ginger beer recipe is made using a fermentation process and is much more natural with great health benefits.

What is Jamaican Ginger Beer?

Ginger beer originated in England and was introduced to Jamaica during the 1700s. It contained a small amount of alcohol but most modern variations have no alcohol content. Jamaican ginger is a root plant that grows all over the island so it’s found in many Jamaican recipes. It’s more pungent with a stronger flavour than Asian ginger.

Chunks of fresh ginger are combined with water to create a purée. Then it is added to boiling hot water and left to steep in a cool place. After that, you strain, sweeten and serve over ice.

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

• Blender – to make the ginger purée or a box grater.
• Large Pot – to boil the water.
• Fine Strainer – to remove the ginger pulp.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

MEASUREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE LISTED IN THE RECIPE CARD NEAR THE BOTTOM OF PAGE

• Fresh Ginger Root – peeled and chopped. For a milder ginger flavor, use less ginger.
• Water – the base of this beverage.
• Cloves – this adds a beautiful warmth and depth of flavour to the drink, but is completely optional. Some, also prefer using a cinnamon stick.
• Rice – add one tablespoon of rinsed rice as it helps to extend the shelf life of the drink, as well as aid in the fermentation process of the ginger. It yields no flavour and will not impact the taste of the drink.
• Sugar – to sweeten. Use a combination of white granulated sugar, cane sugar or brown sugar. 
• Fresh Lime Juice – for added citrus taste.
• Soda Water – club soda, carbonated or sparkling water areoptional. If not using, use 10 cups fresh still water.

How to Make The Best Ginger Beer

Make Ginger Purée

Thoroughly wash the ginger, then peel and chop into smaller pieces. Add the ginger pieces to a high-speed blender with 2 cups of room temperature water and pulse until the ginger has puréed.

Alternatively, you can use grated ginger by manually grating using a box grater.

Add Boiled Water and Rice

Next, bring 10 cups of water to a boil (plus 2 cups if not using sparkling/carbonated water). Stir the ginger purée into the boiling water and remove from heat immediately. Add the cloves, rinsed rice and cover.

Steep Overnight in the Fridge

Allow the mixture to cool completely then place in the refrigerator to steep for 4 to 6 hours. For the maximum results, steep overnight.

Strain, Sweeten & Serve with Ice

Strain the steeped ginger beer using a fine strainer or cheesecloth then add the lime juice and sweeten to taste with the brown sugar. If using carbonated water, stir in 2 cups. Then chill and serve over ice.

How to Make Carbonated (Fizzy) Ginger Beer

Prepare ginger purée then bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the ginger puree to the boiling water then add in cloves and rice. Once it completely cools, place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. 

Then strain, sweeten, and add 2 cups of sparkling water or carbonated water to the mixture. Chill and serve over ice.

Alternatively, you can fill a glass halfway (or so) with the ginger juice (mixture), then pour soda water on top with ice and enjoy. Adjust as needed. This will give the carbonated effect like ginger ale.

Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Ginger Beer

• Once the drink sits, the ginger will settle. This is normal, stir before serving and pour over ice.
• Scrap off some of the ginger skin before puréeing because the skin has a bitter taste.
• If no blender, you can use grated ginger.
• For a milder ginger flavor, use less ginger. 
• For the best results, serve Jamaican ginger beer chilled over ice.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Lemon Juice – Instead of freshly squeezed lime juice, try lemon juice. It has a more tart taste and is less sweet.
• Add Fruit – for a fruity fusion twist, add pure pineapple juice or passionfruit juice.
• Natural Sweetener – use agave syrup, maple syrup, coconut sugar as a sweetener alternative to granulated sugar or brown sugar.
• Add Spices – some Jamaican ginger beer recipes include spices lives cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. 
• Cream of Tartar – for a smoother consistency and depth of flavour.
• Alcoholic Ginger Beer – add a shot of rum to glass of ginger beer over ice for a tasty adult beverage.
• Moscow Mule – use this recipe to make the popular Moscow Mule cocktail which calls for vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
• Ginger Syrup – try your hand at making a ginger simple syrup for more at home beverages.

Is Jamaican Ginger Beer Healthy?

The main ingredient in this recipe is ginger, a root plant with many health benefits.

Ginger Health Benefits

Ginger is so good for you. Luckily, it’s plentiful on the island. Here are some of the ways consuming ginger can benefit you:

• Boosts your immune system, making it perfect for the winter months when it’s easier to catch a cold or the flu.
• Can relieve nausea and morning sickness.
• Proven to treat bacterial infections as a natural antibiotic.
• Good for overall gut health including indigestion and relieving stomach aches.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and relieve arthritis symptoms.

Does Jamaican Ginger Beer have Alcohol?

Ginger beer is not actually beer but rather “ginger juice.” Authentic Jamaican ginger beer does not contain alcohol. However, if you prefer alcoholic ginger beer, add a shot of rum to glass of ginger beer for a spiked twist.

What is Ginger Bug?

Ginger bug is a natural fermentation starter used to make homemade carbonated beverages, particularly ginger beer. It creates the necessary yeast and bacteria to convert sugars in ginger juice mixture into carbon dioxide.

Typically, a mixture of ginger, sugar, and water are combined and left to sit at room temperature for a few days, where it reacts with the environment to initiate the fermentation process.

As the ginger bug ferments, it produces carbon dioxide, which creates the carbonated effect some desire.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Jamaican ginger beer pairs well with very seasoned food that is spicy, saucy, or both. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Bar-B-Fried (Barbie Fry) Chicken – this crunchy, mouthwatering and super satisfying bbq fried chicken is tossed in a homemade sweet-spicy Jamaican-style barbecue sauce.
• Jamaican Jerk Pork – tender, well marinated pork shoulder slow roasted then broiled for a crispy, flavourful meat entree. 
• Jamaican Beef Patty – a classic Caribbean staple made with a flavoursome ground beef mixture that’s enclosed in a deliciously flaky, buttery, golden pastry crust.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Make it up to 24 hours to 48 hours before serving.

Storage Instructions

Homemade ginger beer should be stored in the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process and preserve the quality. It can be kept in the refrigerator for around 1 to 2 weeks. Separation will occur, so be sure to gently shake before serving.

For best results, store in an air tight glass bottle to preserve its taste. I do not recommend reusable plastic soda bottles or plastic bottles as it’s known to interact with it’s content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Interested in more Jamaican Recipes? Check These Out!

• Caribbean Chocolate Tea (Cocoa Tea)
• Jamaican Easter Bun
• Jamaican Bammy
• Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
• Jamaican Sorrel Cocktail with Sorrel Simple Syrup
• Jamaican Guinness Punch
• Jamaican Black Cake
• How to Soak Fruit for Christmas Cake

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