In the black community, ginger ale is the proverbial cure-all next to ‘tussin (IYKYK). Have a headache? Drink some ginger ale. Have an upset stomach? Drink some ginger ale. Broke your arm? I’m kidding. All jokes aside ginger is a powerful plant so it’s no wonder it’s used as a remedy for so many ailments. But there’s a secret: store-bought ginger ale often lacks the real ginger power.
Ginger isn’t just a delicious spice, it’s a wellness warrior.
- Aids in digestion – Ginger can help things move smoothly.
- Tames nausea – Ginger can help calm nausea, whether it’s morning sickness, motion sickness, or just a general upset stomach.
- Help with weight management – Studies suggest ginger may play a role in weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing hunger cravings.
- Relieves joint pain and stiffness – Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate pain and stiffness in joints.
- Can help reduce menstrual pain – Ginger can be a natural pain reliever for menstrual cramps.
- May help reduce cancer risk – Research suggests ginger may have anti-cancer properties, although more studies are needed.
- Cold & Flu Fighter – Ginger’s antiviral and antibacterial properties may help ward off or shorten the duration of a cold or flu.
It’s easier than you may think to make ginger ale at home. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. This homemade ginger ale is packed with the good stuff – fresh ginger root – and none of the artificial flavors or colors found in commercial brands.
You’ll need some fresh ginger, a lemon, sugar, water, and sparkling water.
Start by chopping your ginger. I diced mine but a rough chop is good too because it will ultimately go in a blender.
Add the ginger to a pan of boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium and let the ginger simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat to cool. Boiling the ginger tones down the spiciness of the ginger.
While the ginger water is cooling you can get started on your simple syrup. If you want to use store-bought simple syrup you can but making simple syrup is just that…simple’ It’s just equal parts sugar and water and boiling it until the sugar has dissolved. You can also avoid the preservatives and sulfites. It lasts up to a month in the fridge in an air-tight container.
Now back to the ginger water. Pour the liquid into a blender and blend for about 30 seconds until the ginger pieces are gone. It should look like applesauce. Then strain the ginger through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Now you’re ready to assemble your drink. Evenly pour the ginger water and simple syrup into 2 glasses, with or without ice. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze each half into a glass. Top with sparkling water and slowly stir to combine.
Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy!
Cheers!
Homemade Ginger Ale
Ingredients
- 1/2 cp. ginger peeled and chopped
- 1 1/2 cp. water divided
- 1/2 cp. sugar
- 1 lemon
- sparkling water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add ginger. Reduce heat to medium low and let ginger simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let sit for 20 minutes to cool.
- Pour liquid into a blender and blend until smooth then strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan boil the remaining 1/2 cp. water and stir in the sugar to dissolve to make a simple syrup.
- Pour equal amounts of the ginger water and simple syrup into 2 glasses.
- Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon into each glass and stir.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon slice (optional)
- Enjoy!
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