Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a glass of fizzy, flavorful ginger beer? The versatility of this popular beverage knows no bounds – from classic cocktails to sweet treats and savory dishes, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 refreshing ginger beer recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
From spicy Jamaican ginger beers to sweet peach-based concoctions, our list has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of fizzy drinks, tasty treats, or savory dishes, these recipes are sure to bring a little excitement to your summer gatherings. So grab a glass and let’s dive in! In this article, we’ll be exploring everything from homemade ginger beers to creative cocktails and beyond.
Homemade Spiced Ginger Beer
Experience the invigorating flavors of homemade spiced ginger beer, perfect for hot summer days or as a unique twist on traditional soda. This recipe combines the spicy warmth of ginger with the sweetness of sugar and the fizziness of carbonation.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Carbonation drops or sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add sliced ginger, lemon slices, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard solids.
4. Add carbonation drops or sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Sparkling Lemon Ginger Beer
Combine the zesty flavors of lemon and ginger with a touch of sparkling water to create this revitalizing beverage.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
– 1 liter sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the grated ginger to the pitcher and stir gently to infuse the flavors for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Just before serving, add the sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Sparkling Lemon Ginger Beer over the ice.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh ginger, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time) + serving time
Spicy Jamaican Ginger Beer
Get ready to quench your thirst with this bold and spicy twist on traditional ginger beer! This recipe combines the warmth of ginger, the heat of scotch bonnet peppers, and a touch of sweetness for a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
– 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Carbonated water (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Add grated ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers, citric acid, and baking soda to the pot. Stir well.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard solids.
5. Add carbonated water as needed to achieve desired fizziness.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + chilling time
Enjoy your spicy and refreshing Spicy Jamaican Ginger Beer!
Fermented Ginger Beer with Honey
This refreshing fermented ginger beer with honey is a perfect blend of spicy and sweet flavors, great for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast (such as champagne yeast)
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– Carbonation drops or a priming bottle (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves.
2. Add grated ginger and yeast to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for 24-48 hours to allow fermentation to begin.
4. After 24-48 hours, stir in sugar and lemon juice.
5. Bottle the mixture, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Secure with screw caps or corks.
6. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for 2-3 days to allow carbonation to develop (optional).
7. Serve chilled, garnished with additional grated ginger and honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 24-48 hours (fermentation), 2-3 days (carbonation)
Ginger Beer Mojito Mocktail
Elevate your mocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito! This Ginger Beer Mojito Mocktail combines the spicy kick of ginger beer with the bright flavors of lime, mint, and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz ginger beer
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, gently press the mint leaves to release their oils.
2. Add the lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
6. Garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply shake, strain, and serve.
Peach Ginger Beer Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on classic ginger beer! This sweet and spicy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups peach puree
– 1 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine peach puree and honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Add ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
3. Squeeze in lime juice and stir again.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Enjoy your Peach Ginger Beer Cooler!
Dark and Stormy Ginger Beer Cocktail
A refreshing twist on the classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy, this cocktail combines the spicy warmth of ginger beer with the richness of dark rum. Perfect for a stormy night in or a tropical getaway.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum and top with ginger beer.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and enjoy.
Ginger Beer and Lime Sorbet
This refreshing sorbet combines the spicy warmth of ginger beer with the bright, citrusy flavor of lime. Perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ginger beer
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– Lime wedges and sprigs of fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the ginger beer, lime juice, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Stir in the water and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once frozen, scoop the sorbet into cones or bowls and garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Freezing Time: 2-4 hours
Apple Cider Ginger Beer Punch
Elevate your fall gatherings with this refreshing and invigorating punch, combining the warmth of apple cider and ginger beer. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or cozy autumn afternoons.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– Slices of apple and orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, ginger beer, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Add lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with slices of apple and orange.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and chill.
Ginger Beer Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist that combines the spicy warmth of ginger beer with the classic flavors of tequila, lime, and agave.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 4-6 ounces ginger beer
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into prepared glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None required!
Tropical Pineapple Ginger Beer
Add a touch of tropical paradise to your beverage routine with this refreshing pineapple ginger beer. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a taste of the islands.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add pineapple juice, lime juice, and ginger slices. Let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard solids.
4. Add yeast and salt to the liquid. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cover and let ferment in a warm place (around 75°F) for 2-3 days, or until bubbles form on surface.
6. Strain beer again through cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into glass bottles. Store refrigerated.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes + fermentation time (2-3 days)
Ginger Beer BBQ Sauce
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and spicy sauce infused with the warmth of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup ginger beer (chilled)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the chilled ginger beer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups
Use this sauce as a glaze for meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Ginger Beer Glazed Chicken Wings
Elevate your game-day snacks with these sweet and spicy chicken wings glazed with a sticky ginger beer sauce. Perfect for a crowd, this recipe yields a batch of 24-30 wings.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ginger beer, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken wings; toss to coat.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; spray with cooking spray. Arrange wings in a single layer.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Brush with remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Remove from oven; season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ginger Beer Caramel Sauce
Elevate your desserts with this unique and delicious ginger beer caramel sauce! This sweet and spicy condiment is perfect for topping ice cream, cakes, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons ginger beer (chilled)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a medium saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugars dissolve and the mixture simmers.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, ginger beer, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Let cool slightly before using or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ginger Beer Bread with Raisins
Warm and spicy Ginger Beer Bread with Raisins is a delightful treat perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite soup or salad.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup ginger beer (chilled)
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, ginger beer, and beaten egg. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in raisins.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ginger Beer Ice Cream Float
A refreshing twist on the classic ice cream float, this recipe combines the spicy warmth of ginger beer with creamy vanilla ice cream and a crunchy cookie crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
– 2 cups ginger beer
– 1 cup crushed cookies (such as wafers or chocolate sandwich cookies)
– Whipped cream and additional ginger beer for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Scoop the ice cream into a tall glass.
2. Pour the ginger beer over the ice cream, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Sprinkle the crushed cookies over the ginger beer.
4. If desired, top with whipped cream and an additional splash of ginger beer.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble the ingredients and serve.
Ginger Beer Pickled Vegetables
Add a tangy twist to your vegetable dishes with this easy and flavorful recipe. This condiment is perfect for topping tacos, burgers, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
– 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup pickling liquid (see below)
– 1/4 cup ginger beer
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Pickling Liquid:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
2. In a small saucepan, combine pickling liquid ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, making sure they are fully covered.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Stir in ginger beer, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (pickling liquid), 30 minutes – 2 hours (cooling and refrigeration)
Ginger Beer Braised Pork Ribs
This recipe takes traditional braised pork ribs to the next level by incorporating the spicy warmth of ginger beer. The result is a fall-off-the-bone tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the pork ribs in batches until caramelized, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add ginger beer, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Return the pork ribs to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Ginger Beer Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day with a flavorful twist on classic pancakes, infused with the warmth of ginger beer and topped with pure Canadian maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup ginger beer
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the grated ginger and ginger beer to the wet ingredients; whisk until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients; stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook for an additional 1 minute.
7. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Ginger Beer Granita
Granita is Italy’s answer to ice cream, and when you add the spicy kick of ginger beer, it becomes a unique and tantalizing treat. This refreshing dessert is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 cups ginger beer (chilled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled ginger beer, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
3. Add the cooled coffee to the ginger beer mixture and whisk until combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a metal granita pan.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Scrape the frozen mixture with a fork to form crystals (every 30 minutes, scrape again).
7. If desired, stir in heavy cream before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Summary
Get ready to beat the summer heat with these refreshing ginger beer recipes! From classic homemade spiced ginger beer to innovative cocktails like peach ginger beer cooler and spicy Jamaican ginger beer, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find sweet treats like ginger beer ice cream float and bread with raisins, as well as savory dishes like glazed chicken wings and braised pork ribs. Whether you’re in the mood for a fizzy drink or a flavorful meal, these 20 recipes will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
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