Quick Ginger Beer

Name: Quick Ginger Beer
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups water; 1 pound fresh ginger, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 2 1/2 cups); 1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar or white sugar; Crushed ice; 1 lime, cut into 6 to 8 wedges

By Virginia Burke

January 19, 2007

Image may contain Cutlery Fork Pottery and Saucer

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

This is the easy way to make ginger beer, where the ginger is simply soaked — just slightly fermented — for 24 hours (another method requires up to a five-day fermentation). Ginger beer is one of Jamaica's most popular soft drinks and is sold practically everywhere, from the supermarket to roadside stands.

This drink is wonderfully refreshing. If the ginger heat is too much, tame it with more crushed ice and some club soda.

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