Comments on: How To Make Your Own Ginger Beer http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/ Jeffrey Morgenthaler is a designer, blogger and mixologist living in Eugene, Oregon Fri, 16 May 2008 07:12:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Dominik MJ http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29938 Dominik MJ Thu, 15 May 2008 11:29:33 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29938 Hey Jack, I think it is a not so good idea to sell this home brewed ginger beer in school (or to drink it in your age). Due to the usage of yeast, the fermentation process sets a certain amount of alcohol free. That is natural if you are using yeast (and I am sure, that the ginger beer plant before, didn't produced alcohol or much less than the actual yeast). And you don't want to have any problems, because you are selling alcohol to your classmates? Cheers Dominik MJ Hey Jack, I think it is a not so good idea to sell this home brewed ginger beer in school (or to drink it in your age).

Due to the usage of yeast, the fermentation process sets a certain amount of alcohol free. That is natural if you are using yeast (and I am sure, that the ginger beer plant before, didn’t produced alcohol or much less than the actual yeast).

And you don’t want to have any problems, because you are selling alcohol to your classmates?

Cheers

Dominik MJ

]]> By: jack http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29936 jack Thu, 15 May 2008 07:51:19 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29936 after reading the posts made by people as i was too lazy to do so before iv decided to move my "homebrew" from the direct sunlight in front of the heater to a cooler and somewhat darker area of the house Jack after reading the posts made by people as i was too lazy to do so before iv decided to move my “homebrew” from the direct sunlight in front of the heater to a cooler and somewhat darker area of the house

Jack

]]> By: jack http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29935 jack Thu, 15 May 2008 07:47:55 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29935 hey im only 13 but i decided to try! so far i have 4Lt brewing up in a cupboard made about 25 mins ago from your recipe thanks very much and il let u know how it goes in about 2 days time! im also thinking about selling it at school does anyone feel this is a good idea or a bad one? id love to know before i try it thanks Jack hey im only 13 but i decided to try! so far i have 4Lt brewing up in a cupboard made about 25 mins ago from your recipe thanks very much and il let u know how it goes in about 2 days time! im also thinking about selling it at school
does anyone feel this is a good idea or a bad one? id love to know before i try it thanks

Jack

]]> By: Craig http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29812 Craig Thu, 08 May 2008 13:44:22 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29812 Julie, Traditionally "Ginger beer" wasn't just brewer's yeast and sugar. It was from something called "Ginger beer plant" that was a bacteria/yeast mother. A big glob of goo that was fed and maintained like yogurt, sour dough starter or vinegar. If you are curious, check out this link: http://www2.parc.com/emdl/members/apte/GingerBeer.pdf Review page #11 Ginger beer traditionally was a living thing, a transformation of a solution by organisms. It appears that it was not only tasty but good for the gut containing beneficial bacteria. Julie,

Traditionally “Ginger beer” wasn’t just brewer’s yeast and sugar. It was from something called “Ginger beer plant” that was a bacteria/yeast mother. A big glob of goo that was fed and maintained like yogurt, sour dough starter or vinegar. If you are curious, check out this link: http://www2.parc.com/emdl/members/apte/GingerBeer.pdf Review page #11

Ginger beer traditionally was a living thing, a transformation of a solution by organisms. It appears that it was not only tasty but good for the gut containing beneficial bacteria.

]]> By: Julie http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29807 Julie Thu, 08 May 2008 12:19:20 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29807 when i was a little girl we always had ginger beer to drink. But my grand mother always used left over ginger beer to make the next brew. Does anybody know why she did this ? i am going to try this recipe at the weekend and seee if it taste's as good. when i was a little girl we always had ginger beer to drink. But my grand mother always used left over ginger beer to make the next brew. Does anybody know why she did this ? i am going to try this recipe at the weekend and seee if it taste’s as good.

]]> By: Tiare http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29754 Tiare Mon, 05 May 2008 17:23:48 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29754 This recipe looks good to me. I haven`t tried it with a soda siphon before..would like to try! Thanks for explaning why the shelf/fridge life of Ginger is only 2 weeks. Cheers! This recipe looks good to me. I haven`t tried it with a soda siphon before..would like to try!

Thanks for explaning why the shelf/fridge life of Ginger is only 2 weeks.

Cheers!

]]> By: Jac http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29678 Jac Fri, 02 May 2008 00:01:28 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29678 That's "leaky" little boat... :P http://youtube.com/watch?v=ELTEnNOTub4 That’s “leaky” little boat… :P

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ELTEnNOTub4

]]> By: Brooke http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29674 Brooke Thu, 01 May 2008 21:36:29 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29674 Thanks so much for the reply. I am going to try again this weekend... utilizing your helpful tips, of course. And I will let you know how it is. Thanks so much for the reply. I am going to try again this weekend… utilizing your helpful tips, of course. And I will let you know how it is.

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29670 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Thu, 01 May 2008 19:54:29 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29670 Brooke From my past failures, here's everything that I can think of that you might have done wrong. Believe me, I've made every mistake on this list at some point: 1. Your mixture was either too hot, or too cold and you killed your yeast. Actually, I don't even know if too much cold would kill it, since I keep my yeast in a fridge. So maybe the mix was too hot. 2. You didn't use enough yeast. For a 32-ounce bottle, I'm going to say, right off the top of my head... 1/8 tsp should be about right? 3. You didn't get a good seal on the bottle. You've got to make sure whatever cap you're using is on there good and tight, because you need that carbonation to stay in the bottle until it's time to open. 4. You didn't store it in a warm enough, dark enough place. I heard light kills yeast, so I always cover my bottles with a black apron, I don't know how important that is. But what I always make sure to do is keep the bottles on a warm shelf indoors for 48 hours during the fermentation process. That's all I can think of right now, Brook. I hope it helps. Brooke

From my past failures, here’s everything that I can think of that you might have done wrong. Believe me, I’ve made every mistake on this list at some point:

1. Your mixture was either too hot, or too cold and you killed your yeast. Actually, I don’t even know if too much cold would kill it, since I keep my yeast in a fridge. So maybe the mix was too hot.

2. You didn’t use enough yeast. For a 32-ounce bottle, I’m going to say, right off the top of my head… 1/8 tsp should be about right?

3. You didn’t get a good seal on the bottle. You’ve got to make sure whatever cap you’re using is on there good and tight, because you need that carbonation to stay in the bottle until it’s time to open.

4. You didn’t store it in a warm enough, dark enough place. I heard light kills yeast, so I always cover my bottles with a black apron, I don’t know how important that is. But what I always make sure to do is keep the bottles on a warm shelf indoors for 48 hours during the fermentation process.

That’s all I can think of right now, Brook. I hope it helps.

]]> By: Brooke http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29669 Brooke Thu, 01 May 2008 19:47:08 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29669 Hi... Jeffrey. I love your website and was motivated this past weekend to make your ginger beer. I followed your directions, with the exception of doubling the batch and using 32 oz bottles and I forgot to strain my lemon juice. When I mixed a drink last night my beer wasn't carbonated at all. Do you have any idea what I did wrong? Hi… Jeffrey. I love your website and was motivated this past weekend to make your ginger beer. I followed your directions, with the exception of doubling the batch and using 32 oz bottles and I forgot to strain my lemon juice. When I mixed a drink last night my beer wasn’t carbonated at all. Do you have any idea what I did wrong?

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29667 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Thu, 01 May 2008 18:13:50 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29667 Everyone I forgot to mention that ginger loses its flavor over time, so two weeks is probably the max you're going to get out of a bottle before it starts to just taste like old carbonated lemonade. More of an excuse to keep the stock updated, right? Everyone

I forgot to mention that ginger loses its flavor over time, so two weeks is probably the max you’re going to get out of a bottle before it starts to just taste like old carbonated lemonade.

More of an excuse to keep the stock updated, right?

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29651 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:54:56 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29651 Craig, thanks for that link, I've solidified my determination to add cream of tartar to my next batch after reading some of that history. Again, great information. Thank you! Craig, thanks for that link, I’ve solidified my determination to add cream of tartar to my next batch after reading some of that history.

Again, great information. Thank you!

]]> By: arawak http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29637 arawak Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:03:49 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29637 In the west indies we also used kola essence and sometimes when this was unavailable hibiscus or vanilla also has great effect, kola though is almost impossible to find in the U.S. In the west indies we also used kola essence and sometimes when this was unavailable hibiscus or vanilla also has great effect, kola though is almost impossible to find in the U.S.

]]> By: Craig http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29634 Craig Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:20:10 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29634 If you are into the history of Ginger beer and lacto-fermentation version using ginger beer plant, check out this presentation by Raj B Apte from Matadero Creek Brewery. If you are into the history of Ginger beer and lacto-fermentation version using ginger beer plant, check out this presentation by Raj B Apte from
Matadero Creek Brewery.

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29632 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:48:10 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29632 Huh! I will definitely try that in my next batch. Thanks for the heads-up! Huh! I will definitely try that in my next batch. Thanks for the heads-up!

]]> By: arawak http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29629 arawak Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:19:22 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29629 Ginger beer is not ginger beer without tartar. You should check it out. Ginger beer is not ginger beer without tartar.
You should check it out.

]]> By: garry http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29621 garry Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:05:35 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29621 I have always thought about making my own Ginger Beer and now I have came across a great and well-described recipe. I’m going to give this a go at the weekend. I have always thought about making my own Ginger Beer and now I have came across a great and well-described recipe. I’m going to give this a go at the weekend.

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29614 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:18:24 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29614 K The cupboard under the sink should be just fine. J K

The cupboard under the sink should be just fine.

J

]]> By: K http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29612 K Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:58:32 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29612 This is perhaps a silly question, but where's a good warm and dark place to store the bottles? With Northern California weather, anywhere dark I can think of around the apartment is also cool by default. How warm ought the bottles be kept? This is perhaps a silly question, but where’s a good warm and dark place to store the bottles? With Northern California weather, anywhere dark I can think of around the apartment is also cool by default. How warm ought the bottles be kept?

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29601 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:28:07 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29601 Jimmy I'm thrilled that you actually tried it! The addition of thyme is a brilliant move on your part. I'll have to take a cue from you for my next batch... Jeff Jimmy

I’m thrilled that you actually tried it! The addition of thyme is a brilliant move on your part. I’ll have to take a cue from you for my next batch…

Jeff

]]> By: jimmy http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29592 jimmy Sun, 27 Apr 2008 03:03:03 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29592 Jeff, you are a genius. I am having the best Dark & Stormy(tm) ever. I muddled a few sprigs of thyme into my simple syrup before adding it to the recipe. Fantastic. Thanks. Jeff, you are a genius. I am having the best Dark & Stormy(tm) ever. I muddled a few sprigs of thyme into my simple syrup before adding it to the recipe. Fantastic. Thanks.

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29585 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:49:47 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29585 Maggie, we'll be expecting a full report from you soon! Maggie, we’ll be expecting a full report from you soon!

]]> By: Maggie http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29584 Maggie Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:47:45 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29584 I can't wait to try this! I can’t wait to try this!

]]> By: Sean http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29572 Sean Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:00:34 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29572 There is the option of carbonating by the use of a CO2 tank and the patented Carbonator cap (no affiliation, your mileage may vary) for plastic soda bottles. It allows the non-alcoholic folks (also known as designated drivers) to drink a homemade beverage with the boozers too. There are many variations for smaller batches. Peace, Sean There is the option of carbonating by the use of a CO2 tank and the patented Carbonator cap (no affiliation, your mileage may vary) for plastic soda bottles. It allows the non-alcoholic folks (also known as designated drivers) to drink a homemade beverage with the boozers too. There are many variations for smaller batches.

Peace,

Sean

]]> By: Jeffrey Morgenthaler http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29566 Jeffrey Morgenthaler Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:44:18 +0000 http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/how-to-make-your-own-ginger-beer/#comment-29566 Another thought: If you'd like to play with the recipe, here are some ingredients to try adding to your ginger beer: <blockquote>Vanilla bean Key lime juice Citric acid Cloves Keffir lime leaf </blockquote> Another thought:

If you’d like to play with the recipe, here are some ingredients to try adding to your ginger beer:

Vanilla bean
Key lime juice
Citric acid
Cloves
Keffir lime leaf

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