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Ginger Ale:
Don't limit yourself to Ginger.
Ginger
Ale (any homemade soda beverages for that matter) is REALLY fun to make
at home. As I share some of the different techniques I want
you
to think outside the soda recipe to all the other sodas you can make.
How about your own Strawberry soda, or a Lemon / Lime combo,
even
Cinnamon, Chocolate and Vanilla. GET CREATIVE! Try
different blends (always take notes) and treat yourself and your family
to a healthier alternative.
Ginger
Ale -
the Decoction Method
Using this method you will need to create a Ginger Decoction, make a
simple syrup (or use honey or maple syrup), and have sparkling water
(seltzer, club soda or soda water) on hand. To
learn more about decoctions, before you make this Ginger Ale - click
here.
To Make the Ginger Decoction:
| 1) Start with fresh Ginger if at all
possible. Most grocery stores carry fresh herbs now days
(thank goodness for that) so finding fresh shouldn't be that hard.
For an interesting twist you could try Wild Ginger. |
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2) Cut this into small
pieces
until you have 1 cup. Many recipes call for peeling the
Ginger - I find it hard to peel and I don't really taste a difference.
It's your call - if you want to peel it, go ahead.
Note: If all you can find is dried Ginger pieces (DO NOT use
ginger power) you will need to use 3 cups of dried, instead of the 1
cup of fresh. |
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| 3) Bring 2 cups of water to
a
rapid boil. Note that I am using a porcelain coated pan.
Do not use a metal pan or something that is Teflon coated as
they could leech toxins into your decoction. Use porcelain or
glass only. |
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4) Reduce your heat to very
low
(simmering) and add the 1 cup of Ginger to the water. Cover
and allow this to simmer for 5 minutes.
In this picture I used an over-sized glass cover so I could take a
picture for you. Please use a cover that fits snuggly onto
your pan. The idea is to NOT let the steam out. |
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5) Remove the Decoction
from the
heat, keeping it covered, and allow it to just sit for 30 minutes.
In this picture I transfered the decoction to a glass bowl so I could
show you what it looked like. You do not have to transfer
yours, just remove it from the heat. |
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6) Strain the water from
the
Ginger using a mesh type strainer.
Many people tell you to discard the herb at this point. Because I only
used water (as opposed to another liquid) I don't throw mine away.
I dry these chucks, powder them and use them in cooking (I
mark the herb very well - noting that it's the milder stuff).
It isn't as strong as fresh dried ginger, however there are
times I don't want the heavy strong flavor. This powdered
herb is actually good on ice cream or in cereal as it isn't as
overpowering. |
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| This is just a picture of what the
Ginger
water looks like. |
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| This last picture is my bottled
Ginger
water, all ready to use to make fresh Ginger Ale for my family.
I store this in the refrigerator but note that it DOES NOT
have a long shelf life. I can't really tell you how long the
shelf life is, as a bottle has never lasted in my house more than a
week, lol. |
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I
strongly
suggest that you use honey or (real) maple syrup instead of the simple
syrup made with sugar. The soft drink you will be creating -
if you use honey or maple syrup - will be a MUCH healthier beverage for
your family.
To Make a Simple Syrup:
You will need 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. In
a saucepan, make the Simple Syrup by dissolving 1 cup
granulated sugar into 1 cup of boiling water. Set this aside to cool.
It can be stored in a bottle.
Now for
the
FUN part - MIXING UP THE GINGER ALE
You will use a 1/2 cup of your Ginger Water (decoction) to 1 cup of
your sparkling water (soda water, seltzer, or club soda).
Most people want this sweetened but I think it's pretty darn
tasty without all the sweet. However, for the benefit of
everyone else - here's the basic directions for sweetening.
Remember that it's important to sweeten to taste - not to
just poor a bunch of sweet in and hope for the best.
** If using honey or maple syrup - start with one tablespoon and adjust
from there.
** If using simple syrup (sugar water) - start with two tablespoons and
adjust from there.
A
favorite combination is 1/2 cup of Ginger Water, 1 and 1/2
cups of
sparkling water, with 2 tablespoons of honey. The kids like
one
extra tablespoon of honey added, and 2 cups of sparkling water.
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All
information, shared on
this web site, is for enjoyment and study only and is NOT meant to
diagnose or treat any medical condition. Only your
health care professional is qualified to diagnose or treat medical
conditions. Do not risk your health! Just because
something is 'natural' does NOT make it safe. Do not, under
any
circumstance, ingest or use herbs in any form
without consulting your Doctor. If you do, you do so
at
your OWN RISK.
Web Site
Content (text, graphics, look and feel) are Copyright Protected © All
Rights Reserved 2009, Sandy Marie.
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