How To Make Natural Ginger Ale

How To Make Natural Ginger Ale. Image – WellnessMama.com (with permission)

We just found an awesome tutorial for how to make your own natural ginger ale! The link follows after our introduction to the topic.

If you’re sick of the modern generation of unhealthy junk sodas then this could be a perfect beverage for you! We all want beverages that have great taste, but wouldn’t it be great if we could get that without short-changing ourselves when it comes to our health and nutrition? Ingredients like High Fructose Corn Syrup or aspartame are deal-breakers for me. If those things are in there, I won’t touch it. End of story. 😉

What’s great about this recipe we have found is not only that it contains real ginger (see this page for our full tutorial on the health benefits of ginger) – well known for its numerous health benefits – but it is naturally fermented, which makes it naturally fizzy! The drink contains natural probiotics and enzymes that are widely regarded to have a beneficial effect on the digestive system.

Fermented drinks and foods have been utilized since ancient times on account of their health benefits. This formula uses a short-brew method so that it does not become alcoholic.

One note – you have to be careful to follow the instructions properly. As with making other fermented drinks such as Jun (an old Tibetan Fermented Tea drink), you can create too much pressure, enough to burst the bottles if you do it wrong!

Another note that caught my eye from the comments on the original page – although the recipe calls for some sugar, note that the fermentation process will transform much of this. One person advised not to substitute with honey (it is a commonly held position that due to being antimicrobial it interferes with the fermentation) or stevia.

Ok here’s the link to the full tutorial: https://wellnessmama.com/8945/natural-ginger-ale/

Creative Ways to Use Ginger Ale Beyond Drinking

While ginger ale is delicious on its own or as a mixer, there are many innovative ways to incorporate this fizzy beverage into your culinary adventures. Here are some creative ideas to make the most of your homemade natural ginger ale:

1. Ginger Ale Marinade: Use ginger ale as a base for a flavorful marinade for chicken or pork. The natural sugars in the ginger ale help caramelize the meat during cooking, while the ginger adds a subtle spicy note[1].

2. Ginger Ale Pancakes: Replace some of the liquid in your pancake batter with ginger ale for extra fluffy and slightly tangy pancakes. The carbonation helps create a light texture[2].

3. Ginger Ale Sorbet: Freeze ginger ale in an ice cream maker for a refreshing and unique sorbet. Add some fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of flavor[3].

4. Ginger Ale Glaze: Reduce ginger ale on the stovetop until syrupy to create a flavorful glaze for roasted vegetables or as a finishing touch for cakes and desserts[2].

5. Ginger Ale Fruit Salad: Use ginger ale as a light dressing for fruit salads. The carbonation helps keep cut fruits fresh, while the ginger flavor complements a variety of fruits[1].

6. Ginger Ale Kombucha: Use your homemade ginger ale as a flavoring for a second fermentation of kombucha, creating a probiotic-rich, ginger-flavored beverage[4].

7. Ginger Ale Cocktail Cubes: Freeze ginger ale in ice cube trays to add a burst of flavor to cocktails or mocktails without diluting them[5].

By exploring these creative uses, you can enjoy the unique flavor profile of your homemade natural ginger ale in various culinary applications. Not only does this expand your recipe repertoire, but it also allows you to make the most of any excess ginger ale you may have prepared. Remember, the natural ingredients in your homemade version will lend a more authentic and robust flavor to these culinary creations compared to store-bought alternatives.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Ginger Ale:

Ginger ale has a rich history and cultural significance that spans continents and centuries. Here are some fascinating aspects of its journey:

The Birth of Ginger Ale: The first ginger ales were created in Ireland around 1851. This early version was a non-alcoholic soft drink that achieved carbonation through natural fermentation processes. The golden style of ginger ale, known for its robust ginger flavor, was developed by Irish apothecary Thomas Joseph Cantrell in Belfast. This version was dark-colored and sweet, with a strong ginger spice flavor.

Evolution to Dry Ginger Ale: In the early 20th century, Canadian chemist John McLaughlin revolutionized ginger ale by introducing the dry style, also known as pale ginger ale. This version was lighter in color and had a milder ginger flavor. McLaughlin’s creation, “Canada Dry Ginger Ale,” became immensely popular, especially during the Prohibition era in the United States, when it was used as a mixer for alcoholic beverages.

Ginger Ale vs. Ginger Beer: While ginger ale and ginger beer are often confused, they have distinct differences. Ginger beer originated in England in the 1800s and was initially an alcoholic beverage with a strong, spicy flavor due to natural fermentation. Modern ginger beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol and is known for its cloudy appearance and intense ginger taste. In contrast, ginger ale is typically non-alcoholic, clear, and has a sweeter, milder ginger flavor.

Cultural Impact: Ginger ale has played a significant role in various cultures. In North America, it became a household staple, especially as a remedy for nausea and digestive issues. Its use as a mixer in cocktails further cemented its place in social and culinary traditions. In Japan, ginger ale has been adapted with unique flavors such as green tea and lemonade, showcasing its versatility and global appeal.

Modern Variations: Today, ginger ale is available in numerous variations, from the traditional golden and dry styles to innovative blends with mint, green tea, and lemonade. Craft breweries and artisan soda makers have also embraced ginger ale, producing small-batch versions with natural ingredients and bold flavors.

Exploring the historical and cultural significance of ginger ale not only enriches our appreciation for this beloved beverage but also highlights its enduring legacy and adaptability across different eras and regions.

References:
[1] https://herbshealthhappiness.com/how-to-make-natural-ginger-ale/
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginger-ale-good-for-you
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_ale
[4] https://prepfordwife.com/2020/05/22/which-is-the-best-a-comprehensive-test-of-ginger-ale/
[5] https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/08/10/is-ginger-ale-good-for-you-no-but-there-is-a-healthiest-option/70423187007/
[6] https://www.tayportdistillery.com/blogs/news/the-short-history-of-ginger-ale
[7] https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-ginger-ale-1991780
[8] https://cheekymonkey.com.au/exploring-the-origins-of-ginger-beer/
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_ale