The History of Ginger Ale

The name Ginger Ale literally means a ginger-flavored beer. In fact, ginger beer inspired the American pharmacist Thomas Cantrell to develop a flavorful lemonade. Belfast is said to be the birthplace of the first ginger ale. The product was a heavily sweetened beverage with a strong ginger flavor. The product was colored dark as Golden Ginger Ale marketed and quickly found followers in America.
With the development of aroma extracts and the invention of bottling plants for soda water, the Canadian pharmacist John McLaughlin developed a previously new way of preparing ginger ale. McLaughlin used ginger flavor, which became lemonade when topped up with soda water. The patent for the so-called dry ginger ale ran under the name Canada Dry. Less sweet and lighter in color, dry ginger ale has become a popular beverage. During Prohibition, soda pop became a staple in mixed drinks. Visually, spirits were hidden and the ginger aroma masked the smell of alcohol.
Both variants are clear and non-alcoholic lemonades made from ginger, sugar, carbon dioxide, citric acid and a coloring agent. 

Homemade ginger lemonade

A recipe for ginger ale that is similar to the first variant of the drink is to prepare it with dry yeast. In combination with sugar, the yeast triggers a fermentation process that creates the carbon dioxide in the drink.

Ingredients for Ginger Ale:

• about 1 liter of tap water
• a piece of ginger, about the size of a thumb
• 250 g sugar or cane sugar
• juice from one lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast

Preparation:
1. Mix the sugar with the dry yeast
2. Peel ginger and grate finely
3. Squeeze the lemon and mix the juice with the ginger
4. Mix all ingredients and pour into a container. An empty plastic bottle that has been rinsed clean is suitable for this. The bottle should have a capacity of at least one liter.
5. Top up the mixture with tap water, leaving some air in the bottle to prevent the bottle from bursting during fermentation.

The batch must now be stored warm for approx. 24 hours. The carbon dioxide develops in the bottle. The process is complete when the bottle is full to the brim and can no longer be pressed in with your thumb. The bottle is now under high internal pressure and should not be opened. The fermentation process is interrupted by cooling. The ginger ale has to be in the fridge for a few hours or in the freezer for a short time. Carefully open the cool bottle, it is still bubbling and pass the finished product through a sieve.

With this form of preparation, the following must be observed. Alcohol can be produced during fermentation involving yeast and sugar, so the fermentation time must not exceed 24 hours. Enjoying homemade lemonade requires a certain amount of planning and waiting time. The drink is intended for immediate consumption and should be consumed within a few days.





An alternative ginger ale recipe is based on the preparation of a syrup with ginger, similar to Canadian Apothecary's lemonade.

Ingredients for the syrup:

• 1 liter of tap water
• 200 grams of sugar
• 300 grams of cane sugar
• 200 grams of ginger
• Juice of two limes

Preparation: 
1. Peel and slice the ginger
2. Squeeze limes
3. Boil all the ingredients in a saucepan while stirring
4. Let the liquid simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it has thickened
5. Top up some of the syrup with mineral water to taste.

The advantage of this type of preparation is the spontaneous enjoyment of ginger ale, since the syrup has a long shelf life and can also be used in other drinks such as e.g. B. tea or cocktails is suitable. 
Both recipes can vary in the ginger content, the taste becomes spicier and hotter depending on the proportion. Some caramel changes the color of the drink.
Lemonade with the addition of ginger root contains the beneficial properties of the root. Ginger can have a calming effect on the stomach and reduce travel sickness. The spice has a stimulating effect on the metabolism and strengthens the immune system.

Ginger is a good companion after a meal and is becoming increasingly popular as a digestive schnapps, with the first being made as early as 1903 Ginger liqueur made for King Edward VII. Also we from Dr. Ginger have us manufacturing Ginger liqueur prescribed. Our handmade Ginger liqueur can you straight in buy from our online shop or at our points of sale relate.

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