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Homemade Ginger Ale

Homemade ginger ale is refreshing, naturally zesty, and far cleaner than commercial sodas. Made with real ginger, fresh lemon, and gentle sweetness, it’s crisp, effervescent, and customizable to your preferred spice level.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 glass(min)

Ingredients
  

  • Ginger Syrup
  • Fresh ginger peeled, thinly sliced 1 cup
  • Water 2 cups
  • Honey sugar, or sweetener of choice ½ cup
  • Lemon zest 1 lemon
  • To Serve
  • Sparkling or soda water chilled
  • Fresh lemon or lime juice optional
  • Ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the ginger
  • Peel the ginger and slice it as thinly as possible. Thin slices extract flavor efficiently and prevent bitterness or fibrous texture.
  • Simmer gently
  • Place ginger and water in a saucepan. Bring to a light boil, then reduce to medium-low.
  • Simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid becomes golden and aromatic.
  • Sweeten and infuse
  • Add honey (or sugar/sweetener) and lemon zest. Stir gently until fully dissolved.
  • Cook another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Strain and cool
  • Remove from heat. Strain out ginger pieces, pressing lightly to extract liquid without squeezing aggressively.
  • Let the syrup cool completely before bottling.
  • Build Your Homemade Ginger Ale
  • Add 2–4 tablespoons ginger syrup to a glass.
  • Top with chilled sparkling water.
  • Add lemon or lime juice if desired.
  • Stir gently. Taste and adjust syrup or water to reach your ideal strength.

Notes

Use fresh ginger, not powdered or jarred.
Slice instead of grating to avoid bitterness from fibrous extraction.
Keep sparkling water cold to retain carbonation.
A small squeeze of citrus brightens the whole drink.
Flavor Strength Guide
Light and crisp 2 tbsp syrup + 1 cup sparkling water
Classic balance 3 tbsp syrup + 1 cup sparkling water
Bold and spicy 4 tbsp syrup + 1 cup sparkling water