Sweet, bubbly, and good for stomach aches, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic favorite that has been a staple for centuries. The drink is so comforting (yet unassuming) that many people are unaware of the rich history that underlies this timeless classic.
Because of its many benefits and variations, there’s at least one bottle (or can) of ginger beer that suits even the pickiest taste buds out there.
What Ginger Beer Is: Explained
What Ginger Beer Is Explained
Ginger beer was originally an alcoholic beverage that is now popular for being a wonderful non-alcoholic alternative.
With its sweetness and slight spice, it’s not surprising why ginger beer is a comforting beverage.
In this article, we’ll go on a deeper exploration of everything related to ginger beer, specifically:
- The origin, ingredients, and qualities of ginger beer and what sets it apart from other drinks
- The benefits you can get from having a hearty sip of ginger beer
- The different brands of–and drinks containing–ginger beer that you can get your hands on
- The various types of ginger beer and how you can make one right in the comforts of your home.
Let’s dive into the magic of ginger beer and develop a newfound appreciation for this cozy drink.
Origin of Ginger Beer
Origin of Ginger Beer
The first appearance of ginger beer was in mid-seventeenth century England. Back then, the drink was fermented – making it slightly alcoholic.
The drink’s defining ingredient, ginger, has already been utilized for at least 5,000 years. This wonderful spice promotes healing and is known to have multiple powerful health benefits.
Meanwhile, the fermentation process is also an ancient technique that people once used to preserve food.
However, fermentation isn’t always used nowadays to make ginger beer. Some substitute this process with yeast, while others simply carbonate the drink to emulate the fermentation fizz.
Ingredients of Ginger Beer
Ingredients of Ginger Beer
When people first started making the drink, ginger beer’s main ingredients were ginger, sugar, water, and yeast. Occasionally, people also added cream of tartar or lemon for added flavors.
The ingredients and process of making the drink have shifted over time.
Today, many ginger beers contain carbonated water, a higher sugar content, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, preservatives, and other flavors like honey or apple.
While some companies still produce ginger beer the traditional way, bargain bottles on supermarket shelves are more likely to conform to the modernist (and more convenient) approach.
Alcohol in Ginger Beer
Similar to beer and other alcoholic drinks, the sugar in traditional ginger beer is fermented into alcohol.
However, during the alcohol prohibition between the twenties and thirties, a non-alcoholic alternative was sought out.
In response, most ginger beer brands have sold non-alcoholic ginger beer that has stuck around since. In fact, the drink is a great choice for sober drivers in present times.
There are a few alcoholic varieties…
