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Homemade Ginger Ale

Homemade ginger ale is a refreshing, crisp, and spicy-sweet beverage made from fresh ginger, natural sweeteners, and carbonated water. This recipe gives you complete control over the ginger intensity and sugar content, resulting in a fresher and more vibrant drink than store-bought versions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ginger Syrup
  • 4 ounces fresh ginger root unpeeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup cane sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
To Finish
  • 3 cups carbonated water chilled
  • Lime wedges optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Glass measuring cups
  • Glass bottles for storage
  • Carbonated water dispenser or siphon (optional)

Method
 

  1. Scrub your fresh ginger root under cold running water to remove any dirt, then roughly chop it into 1-inch pieces without peeling.
  2. Place the chopped ginger into a small saucepan and cover it completely with 1 cup of fresh water.
  3. Set the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cane sugar, lemon juice, and sea salt.
  5. Continue simmering for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is aromatic.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 20 to 30 minutes.
  7. Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean glass jar and carefully pour the syrup through it, pressing gently on the ginger pieces to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
  8. In a tall glass, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of ginger syrup, then fill the glass with chilled carbonated water and stir gently. Adjust the ratio to taste.
  9. Add ice cubes and a lime wedge if desired, then serve immediately while the fizz is still active.

Notes

Store your ginger syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and make a fresh glass of ginger ale anytime by mixing the syrup with cold carbonated water.