The Best Jamaican Ginger Beer Recipe

jamaican ginger beer in two glasses with ice.

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.

Prep Time15

Steeping Time4

Total Time4 15

Course: Christmas, Drinks & Cocktails, Jamaican, Juices, Smoothies & Shakes

Cuisine: Jamaican

Keyword: 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

Servings: servings

Author: Taneisha Morris

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).
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.
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.

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.

Alcoholic Ginger Beer – add a shot of rum to glass of ginger beer over ice for a tasty adult beverage.

See notes section above for additional tips and tricks!

Nutrition