Homemade Ginger Ale
A crisp, refreshing soda made with real ginger, customizable sweetness, and natural fizz. Healthier and more flavorful than store-bought!
Ingredients
For the Ginger Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped or grated
- 2 cups water
- 1 to 1½ cups sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (to taste)
- Optional additions:
- 1–2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
- Zest of ½ a lemon or lime
- 1 sprig of rosemary, thyme, or mint
To Assemble the Ginger Ale:
- Sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
- Ice
- Optional garnish: Lemon or lime wedges, fresh herbs
Instructions
1. Make the Ginger Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the ginger and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15–30 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
- Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and add your sweetener to taste (start with a 1:1 ratio of liquid to sweetener).
- Stir over low heat until fully dissolved.
- Optional: Add lemon/lime juice or zest. You can also steep a fresh herb sprig in the syrup while it cools.
- Let the syrup cool completely. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
2. Assemble the Ginger Ale:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in 2–4 tablespoons of ginger syrup (¼ to ⅓ of the glass).
- Top with sparkling water or club soda to fill the rest.
- Stir gently and garnish with citrus wedges or herbs, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this without sugar or use a natural sweetener?
Yes! Use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar as a natural alternative. You can also use stevia or monk fruit for a low-sugar version—just sweeten after the syrup has cooled slightly, as some substitutes don’t dissolve well when hot.
Q2: Can I adjust the ginger strength?
Absolutely. Use more ginger or a finer grate for a spicier result, and simmer longer (up to 30 minutes). For milder flavor, simmer less time or reduce the amount of ginger used.