Probiotic ginger beer

Incorporate probiotic bacteria into ginger-based beverages! With a few very simple ingredients, a few items from around the kitchen, and about 2-3 weeks you can have your own DIY probiotic ginger beer.

Starting the Ginger Bug

Place 1 cup of filtered water in a pint jar.
Add 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger root (skin and all). Stir in 2 teaspoons of evaporated cane sugar, tighten lid, and shake.
Cover (can use a coffee filter and rubber band) and store in a warm place.
Add 2 teaspoons of cane sugar and ginger root each day.
In 2-7 days, when it starts bubbling, it is active and ready for the next step.
Use right away for best results.

Making the Ginger Beer

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
Add about 2 inches of ginger root, grated, for a mild flavor (up to 6 inches of ginger for a more intense flavor).
Add 1 ½ cups of sugar. Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes. Let mixture come to room temperature, and when it is cool strain the ginger out.
Add the juice of two lemons, then add the strained ginger bug.
Add enough water to make about 5 litres.
Ginger beer does not tolerate chlorinated water. Tap water left out overnight or mineral water should be fine.

Bottle Your Ginger Beer

When bottling, use sealable bottles. Screw-top recycled plastic bottles, rubber gasket-style or jug jars can be used.
Transfer from mason jar to sealable bottle using a funnel.
Leave to ferment in a warm place for about two weeks.
Refrigerate before opening.