Homemade Ginger Ale
This homemade ginger ale is fresh, bold, and incredibly refreshing, made with just ginger, sugar, and a few optional spices. The syrup is easy to prepare and can be mixed with seltzer water to create a naturally flavored ginger ale with adjustable sweetness and spice. It’s a cozy, homemade drink that feels both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
For ginger ale syrup
- 10.6 oz Fresh ginger (300g) / sliced
- 10.6 oz Sugar (300g or 1/1/2cups)
- 1¼ cups Water (300ml)
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom seeds (or 2 whole pods)
- 10-12 Cloves
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 1 Lemon (medium size)
For ginger ale soda
- 5-6 tablespoon Ginger ale syrup
- 12 oz Seltzer water (355ml)
- Lemon wedge as needed
- Ice as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the gingerWash the ginger thoroughly and pat it dry. Slice the ginger thinly without peeling the skin. A slicer works well, but a knife is fine too.
- Macerate the ginger with sugarIn a mixing bowl or pot, combine the sliced ginger and sugar. Mix well, then let it sit for about 1 hour, or until the ginger releases its juice and the slices start to curl. (You can also leave it overnight.)
- Simmer the ginger syrupTransfer the ginger and its juice to a pot (if not already in one). Add the water, cardamom seeds, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add lemon juiceSqueeze in the juice of one whole lemon and continue simmering for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Strain and store the syrupLet the mixture cool slightly, then strain through a fine mesh strainer to extract the syrup. Transfer the syrup to a clean, sanitized container and store in the refrigerator.
- Make ginger aleTo serve, mix 5–6 tablespoon ginger syrup with 12 oz (355 ml) seltzer water. Add ice and a lemon wedge if desired, and enjoy.