If you’re looking for the ultimate summer drink and beyond, we’ve got you covered. This yummy ginger soda is a refreshing treat children and grown-ups can enjoy. It also serves as non-alcoholic ginger beer drink mixer or gingery base for any homemade cocktail or mixed drink.
Fresh ginger is always preferred given its strong flavor. However, you may be able to use minced ginger (available in the frozen section in any supermarket) or concentrated powder (find those in dedicated health shops or online). Don’t forget to wash your ginger properly, and to peel it, simply use the back of a spoon or a peeler.
Though this recipe is for ginger soda, we’ll basically be making homemade ginger syrup which can work for any other drinks or even desserts—from ginger tea to chewy ginger cookies and ginger candies, we promise you this is a core recipe you’ll be reaching out for quite often.
To finish up on a high note, you can try plain club soda (as instructed below), or flavored ones. Lemon, lime, or Limoncello complement really well the ginger, but don’t be afraid to mix your own creative concoction!
Test Kitchen Tip: The low-sugar or sugar-free version of this ginger soda couldn’t be any simpler to make—try switching the sugar for monk fruit, stevia, or any sweetener of your choice. Allulose is also a great substitute, as its texture is very similar to regular sugar and it’s one of the best options for caramels and syrups.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cup sugar
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1 ½ cup water
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¼ pound fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
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2 tablespoon lemon juice
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Club soda, chilled
Directions
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In a small saucepan combine sugar, water, and ginger. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes.
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Strain syrup through a sieve. Cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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To serve: Add 1 to 2 ounces syrup to an ice-filled glass. Top with club soda.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make ginger soda without sugar?
Sugar is a key ingredient because you’d be creating a syrup to be mixed with club soda. Take it as the “base” or core of the recipe. Sugar substitutes may be tricky, but you can try swapping it for monk fruit, granulated agave, or allulose, as they usually have the same 1:1 substitute radio when dissolving in order to make syrups or caramel. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change.
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What can I do with ginger syrup?
You can use it for teas or desserts, as we mentioned earlier, or cool it and crystalize it to make homemade ginger candy or crumbled ginger for toppings.
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How can I make alcoholic ginger beer?
Instead of using soda water or club soda—flavored or not—you can swipe it for sparkling wine or champagne, or give it a twist by adding a shot of bourbon.
