Jamaican Ginger Beer Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh ginger ((455g) peeled)
• 6 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp brown rice ((15g) optional (rinsed))
• 10 cups water ((2.37 litres))
• juice of a lime
• 1 tsp vanilla extract ((4g))
• maple syrup to taste (or use a sweetener of your choice)
• rum or rum essence ((optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel the ginger

2. 2

   Either grate the ginger (grating is best as it brings out the flavour) or chop it up and blend with 1/2 cup of water (add more if required).

3. 3

   In a large pot add the ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, rice (if adding) and water.

4. 4

   Simmer on low-medium heat for 5 minutes (this heats it through without destroying its properties and without cooking it).

5. 5

   Remove the pot from the stove and let it cool (if you are using granulated sugar, stir it in now) and add the lime juice.

6. 6

   Cover the pot and either store in a cool place or refrigerate for at least several hours or up to a week (the longer you leave it to rest the stronger it will taste).

7. 7

   When you are ready to serve, strain off the juice into a cheesecloth or extra fine mesh strainer

8. 8

   Stir in your sweetener, vanilla, rum/essence (if using) (add more water if it's too strong or just adjust to taste).