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Like every summer season, this time you might also be searching for refreshing and hydrating drinks. As an alternative to carbonated drinks, you can easily switch to a healthy concoction with spicy warmth and zesty notes. Having said this, the one drink that comes to mind is ginger ale.
Obviously, you can buy ginger ale from stores, but making it at home from scratch requires accuracy and vigilance. It is a creative task to watch out for the balance between fresh ginger and sugar syrup. If you have ever tried making ginger ale at home but have failed miserably, don’t be scared of making it a second time. This article will provide you with certain tips and tricks that will help you craft a perfect batch of ginger ale at home. Take a look:
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
To achieve a perfect ginger ale, the key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. First and foremost, start with a fresh ginger root, which provides the base flavour and heat of the homemade ginger ale. Opt for ginger root that is firm and free of wrinkles or molds. Choose organic lemons and natural sweeteners like honey to add flavour to the homemade soda without adding any additives.
- Infuse The Ginger Flavor
To extract the maximum flavour from the ginger root, it is crucial to infuse it into a simple syrup before adding it to the ginger ale. Peel and grate the ginger root and then simmer it in water and sugar in order to create a ginger-infused syrup. Before straining out the ginger solids completely, allow them to cool down. The infused syrup will add a robust ginger flavour to the homemade ginger ale.
- Find The Right Balance Of Sweetness And Acidity
One thing that needs perfection while making ginger ale is the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Ginger-infused syrup provides sweetness, and lemon adds a bright and citrusy acidity that balances out the flavour profile. You are always open to experimenting with the ratio of ginger syrup to lemon juice until you find the perfect balance according to your preference. Note that you can always adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup or diluting the mixture with sparkling water.
- Carbonate Properly
If you love the fizziness and effervescence of ginger ale, it is due to carbonation. To carbonate your homemade ginger ale, you can always use a soda syphon or a home carbonation system. If you’re using a soda syphon, fill it up with your ginger ale mixture, charge it with carbon dioxide cartridges, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and shake gently to distribute the gas. Make sure not to overcarbonate, as this can cause the production of excess foam and potential pills when opening the bottle.
- Serve Chilled And Garnish Creatively
For the most refreshing experience, serve your homemade ginger ale chilled with ice. Garnish each glass of ginger ale with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. This adds both flavour and visual appeal. You can also get creative with your garnish by adding fresh ginger, berries, or even a splash of fruit juice.
