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    BLANK » Recipe Index » Caribbean Dishes

    Jamaican Ginger Beer Recipe

    Last Updated November 6, 2022. Published July 9, 2020 By Charla 22 Comments

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    long ginger beer pin

    Kiss goodbye to the store bought kind and learn how to make real Jamaican ginger beer using fresh ginger. This is the non fermented version but it's still so tasty and thirst quenching. A great drink during the holidays or anytime of year.

    two glasses of ginger beer and jug

    If you have always wanted to make the Caribbean version of ginger beer then look no further because this recipe is what you need in your life.

    two glasses on a teal plate

    This beverage is a childhood favourite of mine, it is a recipe that was made by my mother and grandmother.

    As a food blogger I am absolutely elated to be sharing a recipe that I am fond of and hope my readers fall in love with it too.

    Just like the infamous Sorrel Drink ginger beer is drunk mostly during the holiday season. However, you can drink it throughout the year if you wish. I love to whip up a huge pitcher when the weather is sweltering with a handful of ice.

    Speaking on holiday drinks you may want to give these a try Mulled Wine, Ponche De Creme and Coquito.

    Is Jamaican style ginger beer alcoholic?

    Good question! Unless you have decided to press the "jump to recipe" or couldn't be bothered to read the entire post then you won't know the answer and will probably be disappointed because you failed to read through only to comment saying " this isn't how you make ginger beer" "there's no fermentation" (yup! There's always someone).

    In spite of the name, ginger beer isn't actually beer or an alcoholic beverage that's not how Jamaicans or other Caribbean islands make it. Instead we sort of hopped on the bandwagon of the British and re-invented a strong spice infused soft beverage and called it "ginger juice" if you will.

    With that being said, don't get me wrong some Jamaicans do carry out the fermentation process and use chewing sticks as per tradition but overall it's more of a soft, child friendly drink.

    Jamaicans are more inclined to add rum (the preferred alcohol) to their freshly made ginger beer if they want to give it a slight kick.

    glass of ginger beer without the jug

    Homemade vs store brought 

    One clear distinction between homemade and store brought ginger beer it is NOT Carbonated. I repeat it is NOT emphasis on carbonated.

    Sorry folks! That bubbly ginger drink isn't authentic at all and it's no different then when I highlighted this with my Ginger Cake recipe.

    Although I will be the first to admit I do enjoy the taste of it, it's not a true representation of the Caribbean. Go to any Caribbean persons household and you won't find the ginger beer "bubbly".

    Instead it has a VERY strong taste in ginger and made with spices.

    Ingredients you will need

    ingredients for jamaican ginger beer

    How to make Jamaican ginger beer

    steps 1-8 making the ginger beer

    • Peel the ginger
    • Either grate the ginger (grating is best as it brings out the flavour) or chop it up and blend with ½ cup of water (add more if required)
    • In a large pot add the ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, rice (if adding) and water.
    • Simmer on low-medium heat for 5 minutes (this heats it through without destroying its properties and without cooking it).
    • Remove the pot from the stove and allow to cool (if you are using granulated sugar stir it in now) and add the lime juice.
    • Cover the pot and either store in a cool place or refrigerate for at least several hours or up to a week (the longer you leave it to rest the stronger it will taste).
    • When you are ready to serve, strain off the juice into a cheesecloth or extra fine mesh strainer
    • Stir in your sweetener, rum/essence (if using) and vanilla (add more water if it's too strong or just adjust to taste).

    Carbonated version

    If you want to make a carbonated version then you will need some sparkling water (preferably natural occurring) and some of my Homemade Ginger Syrup

    How long does the ginger beer last?

    I usually serve mine within 48 hours of making it but you should be able to store it in your refrigerator for 7-10 days maybe longer, just keep an eye on it, as soon as you've made it.

    What can you do with the leftover pulp/peel?

    Use the pulp for compost if you are into gardening or use it to make boiled ginger tea. The pulp can be used to add to your favourite smoothies.

    pouring ginger beer into the glass

    Notes and tips

    • I would recommend peeling the skin of the ginger because the peel yields a slight bitterness to it.
    • The brown rice addition is optional, this helps to extend the shelf life and yields no flavour (it won't impact the taste).
    • I prefer to use a liquid syrup like agave or maple instead of granulated sugar
    • For best results, completely chill and serve with ice
    • If you want to ferment your ginger beer you will need to use yeast, I don't have a recipe for this technique as that isn't the way my family do it nor do I care for making it alcoholic.
    • This recipe is child friendly and safe for drivers to drink.
    • Make sure when you are heating up the ginger mixture the heat is low-medium to retain its properties.
    • Traditional Jamaican style ginger beer is made using Jamaican chewing stick. Outside of the Caribbean, this is difficult to get so I often omit using it. If you have some then include with the spices.
    • Feel free to add whatever spices you want I keep it basic with cloves and cinnamon sticks
    • If you cannot get whole spices use dried about 1tsp of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of cloves.

    Other thirst quenching drinks you may like

    • Sea Moss Drink
    • Guava Juice Recipe
    • Tamarind Juice
    • Aloe Vera Juice
    • Mauby Drink
    • June Plum Juice
    • Jamaican Lemonade
    • Mango Coconut Water Smoothie
    • Caribbean Peanut Punch
    • Jamaican Carrot Juice
    • Jamaican Sexy Juice

    **Don't forget to comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Let's be friends and engage on Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**

    two glasses and jug of ginger beer

    Jamaican Ginger Beer Recipe

    Kiss goodbye to the store bought kind and learn how to make real Jamaican ginger beer using fresh ginger. This is the non fermented version but it's still so tasty and thirst quenching. A great drink during the holidays or anytime of year.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Smoothie and drinks
    Cuisine: Jamaican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 386kcal
    Author: Charla

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb fresh ginger peeled
    • 10 cups water
    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 6 cloves
    • 1 tablespoon brown rice optional (rinsed)
    • juice of a lime
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • maple syrup to taste or use a sweetener of your choice
    • rum or rum essence if using

    Instructions

    • Peel the ginger
    • Either grate the ginger (grating is best as it brings out the flavour) or chop it up and blend with ½ cup of water (add more if required).
    • In a large pot add the ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, rice (if adding) and water.
    • Simmer on low-medium heat for 5 minutes (this heats it through without destroying it's properties and without cooking it).
    • Remove the pot from the stove and allow to cool (if you are using granulated sugar stir it in now) and add the lime juice.
    • Cover the pot and either store in a cool place or refrigerate for at least several hours or up to a week (the longer you leave it to rest the stronger it will taste).
    • When you are ready to serve, strain off the juice into a cheesecloth or extra fine mesh strainer
    • Stir in your sweetener, vanilla, rum/essence (if using) (add more water if it's too strong or just adjust to taste).

    Notes

    • I would recommend peeling the skin of the ginger because the peel yields a slight bitterness to it.
    • The brown rice addition is optional, this helps to extend the shelf life and yields no flavour (it won't impact the taste).
    • I prefer to use a liquid syrup like agave or maple instead of granulated sugar
    • For best results, completely chill and serve with ice
    • If you want to ferment your ginger beer you will need to use yeast, I don't have a recipe for this technique as that isn't the way my family do it nor do I care for making it alcoholic.
    • This recipe is child friendly and safe for drivers to drink
    • Make sure when you are heating up the ginger mixture the heat is low-medium to retain its properties.
    • Traditional Jamaican style ginger beer is made using Jamaican chewing stick. Outside of the Caribbean, this is difficult to get so I often omit using it. If you have some then include with the spices.
    • Feel free to add whatever spices you want I keep it basic with cloves and cinnamon sticks
    • If you cannot get whole spices use dried about 1tsp of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of cloves.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 1882mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ThatGirlCooksHealthy or tag #ThatGirlCooksHealthy!
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    About Charla

    I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nelisiwe Mbele

      December 13, 2022 at 2:14 pm

      looking forward to tasting it someday but i believe it more of a natural remedy with a two in one benefit. healing plus pleasure

      Reply
      • Charla

        December 13, 2022 at 4:42 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    2. Laura

      January 17, 2022 at 1:30 am

      5 stars
      Love this! This recipe is a keeper, have made it multiple times now and am just about to make it again. I just had to thank you Charla. Amazing!

      Reply
      • Charla

        January 17, 2022 at 7:22 am

        That's what I like to hear and thank you so much Laura.

        Reply
    3. Jay

      June 03, 2021 at 1:14 am

      Hi, just before I make this and decide to add the rice or not....... what does adding the rice do to the flavour? Why add rice to a drink? Looking to learn. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Charla

        June 03, 2021 at 7:52 am

        Hi Jay, great question! The addition of rice is simply to help with extending the shelf life. It's what I saw the women in my family do so it's a tradition that I like to adhere to, it won't impact the taste or flavour. I have also updated the notes section to cover this too, I hope that helps!

        Reply
    4. Angela Wint

      December 22, 2020 at 2:21 am

      5 stars
      This was just what I was looking for! Hot and spicy! Great hot or cold!!! I sweetened with sugar in the raw and did not use the brown rice....it was perfect!

      Reply
      • Charla

        December 22, 2020 at 9:24 am

        No worries Angela, glad you were able to adjust to suit your needs and thank you for your feedback.

        Reply
        • Anup

          May 18, 2022 at 11:20 pm

          Hi, looking forward to making this but can you suggest how much granulated sugar to use?

          Reply
          • Charla

            May 19, 2022 at 6:36 am

            Hi there, I would say about 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar at a guess. I hope that helps and enjoy!

            Reply
    5. Heidy

      July 10, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      I had never had Jamaican ginger beer until I tried this recipe. My husband loves it and I will make it again for him!!! Thanks for all the helpful hints.

      Reply
      • Charla

        July 10, 2020 at 2:35 pm

        Aww no problem Heidy. I'm just glad that your husband enjoyed it.

        Reply
      • Jen Sim

        December 11, 2020 at 5:25 pm

        5 stars
        I LOVE Jamaican ginger beer! This recipe looks great 😍

        Reply
        • Charla

          December 11, 2020 at 7:58 pm

          Thank you!

          Reply
    6. Toni

      July 10, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is such an amazing drink!! My husband loved it!

      Reply
      • Charla

        July 10, 2020 at 2:32 pm

        Glad your husband liked it Toni

        Reply
    7. Kait

      July 10, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love ginger so much, and never even considered that I could make ginger beer at home! This looks super refreshing, and I am excited to try it.

      Reply
      • Charla

        July 10, 2020 at 2:17 pm

        Thank you Kait. Yes a lot of people didn't realise just how easy it is to make at home.

        Reply
    8. Dannii

      July 10, 2020 at 1:44 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this looks super refreshing. I can't wait to give it a try.

      Reply
      • Charla

        July 10, 2020 at 1:45 pm

        Thank you and enjoy!!

        Reply
    9. Sandhya's Kitchen

      July 10, 2020 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      Homemade Ginger Beer is so inviting! I am going to make it soon.

      Reply
      • Charla

        July 10, 2020 at 11:37 am

        Thanks Sandhya!!

        Reply

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    I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes. Learn more about me

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