Christmas/ Drinks & Cocktails/ Jamaican/ Juices, Smoothies & Shakes

Jamaican Ginger Beer

April 20, 2023 (Last Updated: May 21, 2023)

Jamaican Ginger Beer is a sweet, spicy non-alcoholic Caribbean beverage, with a bold burst of fresh ginger flavour and a citrusy twist. This easy homemade ginger beer is a refreshing soft drink made for all ages so make a big batch for the whole family to enjoy with dinner or at your next social gathering.

jamaican ginger beer in two glasses with ice.

Share this Blog Post with Family & Friends!

Jamaican Ginger Beer is a sweet, spicy non-alcoholic Caribbean beverage, with a bold burst of fresh ginger flavour and a citrusy twist. This easy homemade ginger beer is a refreshing soft drink made for all ages so make a big batch for the whole family to enjoy with dinner or at your next social gathering.

Craving more authentic Jamaican drink recipes? Try the holiday favourite Jamaican Sorrel Drink Recipe, creamy Jamaican Guinness Punch and fresh Jamaican Carrot Juice.

two glasses of jamaican ginger beer with ice.

Jamaican 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 or alcoholic, and sweetened to taste, so everyone can enjoy it during family get together’s and holidays.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Better Than Storebought 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!

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 are nonalcoholic. 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.

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.

Why is Cream of Tartar Added to Ginger Beer?

Cream of tartar is often an added ingredient in ginger beer because it gives it a smoother consistency. It also helps any added sugar to dissolve and not recrystallize. However, it is not required here. Rinsed rice grains do the trick!

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

  • Blender – to make the ginger purée.
  • Large Pot – to boil the water.
  • 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
  • Water – the base of this beverage.
  • Cloves – this adds a beautiful warmth and depth of flavour to the drink, but is completely optional.
  • 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.
  • Sparkling Water – optional, if not using use 10 cups fresh still water

How to Make Jamaican 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 water and pulse until the ginger has puréed.

Add Boiled Water and Rice

Next, bring 10 cups of water to a boil (12 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 best 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 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.

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

  • Lemon or Lime – 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 or maple syrup as a sweetener alternative to granulated 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.
  • Jamaican Ginger Beer Cocktail – add a shot of rum to glass of ginger beer over ice for a tasty adult beverage.
two glasses of jamaican ginger beer.

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.

Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Jamaican 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.
  • For a less spicy drink, use less ginger.
  • For the best results, serve Jamaican ginger beer chilled over ice.
jamaican ginger beer in two glasses with ice.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Make it up to 48 hours before serving.

Storage Instructions

Jamaican ginger beer is best served within 48 hours but it lasts up to one week in the fridge.

jamaican ginger beer in pitcher with overhead view.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Jamaican ginger beer have alcohol?

Traditional Jamaican ginger does not contain alcohol.

What is different about Jamaican ginger beer?

Jamaican ginger is more potent than other varieties of ginger so Jamaican ginger beer has a very strong, spicy flavour when compared to similar beverages from other countries.

Is Jamaican ginger beer good for you?

Depending on the added ingredients, Jamaican ginger beer is a fairly healthy drink.

What should I do with the leftover ginger pulp?

Do not throw away the pulp. Instead repurpose it for smoothies, add it to tea, dehydrate it for candy or compost it.

Interested in more Jamaican Recipes? Check These Out!

jamaican ginger beer in two glasses with ice.

Jamaican Ginger Beer

Jamaican Ginger Beer is a sweet, spicy non-alcoholic Caribbean beverage, with a bold burst of fresh ginger flavour and a citrusy twist. This easy homemade ginger beer is a refreshing soft drink made for all ages so make a big batch for the whole family to enjoy with dinner or at your next social gathering.
4.25 from 4 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Steeping Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Christmas, Drinks & Cocktails, Jamaican, Juices, Smoothies & Shakes
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 2054 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Large Pot
  • Cheesecloth Strainer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Fresh Ginger Root peeled and chopped
  • 10 cups Water
  • 1 tbsp Rice rinsed
  • 3 whole Cloves
  • 1/3 cup Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 cup Granulated White Sugar more or less to taste
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar more or less to taste
  • Rum optional, as desired
  • 2 cups Sparkling Water optional, if not using use 10 cups fresh still water

Instructions
 

  • Thoroughly wash the ginger, then scrap off some of the skin and chop into smaller pieces. Add the ginger pieces to a high-speed blender with 2 cups of water and pulse until the ginger has puréed. Next, bring 10 cups of water to a boil (12 cups if not using sparkling/carbonated water).
    ginger and water in blender cup.
  • Stir the ginger purée into the boiling water and remove from heat immediately. Add the cloves, rinsed rice and cover. Allow the mixture to cool completely then place in refrigerator to steep for 4 to 6 hours. For best result, steep overnight.
    pureed ginger and cloves boiling in pot of water.
  • Strain the steeped ginger beer using a fine strainer then add the lime juice, rum (if using) and sweeten to taste with the sugar. If using carbonated water, stir in 2 cups. Then chill and serve over ice.
    straining the ginger beer.

Video

Recipe Notes

Stir before Serving – once the drink sits, the ginger will settle. This is normal, stir before serving and pour over ice.
Ginger Skin – scrap off some of the ginger skin before puréeing because the skin has a bitter taste.
Strength of Drink – for a less spicy drink, use less ginger or add more water.
Serve Chilled – for the best results, serve Jamaican ginger beer chilled over ice.
See notes section above for additional tips and tricks!

Nutrition

Calories: 2054kcalCarbohydrates: 517gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 233mgPotassium: 2331mgFiber: 11gSugar: 422gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 312mgIron: 5mg

Note, the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary based on products used.

Keywords best jamaican ginger beer, how to make jamaican ginger beer, jamaican ginger beer, jamaican ginger beer benefits, jamaican ginger beer ingredients, jamaican ginger beer non alcoholic, jamaican ginger beer recipe, jamaican ginger beer soda, jamaican ginger beer vs ginger beer, jamaican homemade ginger beer recipe, jamaican soft drink ginger beer, jamaican spicy ginger beer
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a star rating and a comment below! You can also tag @theseasoned.skillet and use #theseasonedskillet on Instagram!
jamaican ginger beer in two glasses with ice.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? 

Leave a comment below and a star rating above, or tag @theseasoned.skillet on Instagram and use hashtag #theseasonedskillet!

ARE YOU STILL HUNGRY? 

Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for more great recipes and all the latest updates!

4 Comments

  • Reply
    Olive
    April 22, 2023 at 3:27 pm

    5 stars
    THIS RECIPE IS AUTHENTIC AND STRONG. THE REAL DEAL. it was so goos thank you for sharing.

    • Reply
      Taneisha Morris
      April 25, 2023 at 7:10 pm

      Yayy! Love this feedback – it really is the real deal!!

  • Reply
    Andrea
    April 29, 2023 at 11:16 am

    4 stars
    This looks like it’s going to be deliciously spicy! But I’m wondering about adding the sugar to cold liquid, wouldn’t it dissolve better when it’s warm?
    Thanks!

    • Reply
      Taneisha Morris
      May 17, 2023 at 10:19 pm

      It dissolved well and fairly quickly with no sugar crystals left behind so you will definitely be fine adding to the cold mixture!

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating




    You Might Also Like

    Bar-B-Fried (Barbie Fry) Chicken Jamaican Easter Bun Jamaican Bammy Jamaican Rice and Peas Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding