Trinidad Ginger Beer Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like homemade ginger beer to bring a refreshing, spicy kick to a meal.

Growing up in Trinidad, ginger beer was a staple at our family’s Sunday lunches and holiday gatherings. At Christmas, we’d often have ginger beer on the table with sorrel when family members parang by our home.

This traditional Trinidad ginger beer recipe will transport you back to Christmas with every sip, whether you’re enjoying it on a hot day, with Sunday lunch, or as a holiday treat.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make your own Trini ginger beer.

What Is Trini Ginger Beer?

Trini ginger beer is a traditional, non-alcoholic drink made from fresh ginger root, sugar, and water, sometimes with added spices like cloves or cinnamon for extra flavor.

It’s refreshing with a bold, spicy flavor of ginger with sweetness and a hint of tanginess.

Unlike store-bought ginger ale, Trini ginger beer has a more robust flavor and can even be spicy depending on how much ginger you use.

Ingredients for Trinidad Ginger Beer

• 1 1/2 cups fresh ginger root
• 8 cups water
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon cloves
• 5 bay leaf
• 1 strand orange peel

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Trini Ginger Beer

1. Prepare the Ginger

Start by washing and peeling the ginger root. Use a spoon to scrape off the skin easily.

Chop the ginger into smaller pieces for easier blending.

2. Blend the Ginger and Water

In a blender, add the chopped ginger and half of the water. Blend until the ginger is well-pulverized and forms a thick, spicy mixture.

3. Combine and Boil

Pour the ginger mixture into a large pot, and add the remaining water, sugar, cloves, orange peel, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick.

Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps release the ginger’s flavor and creates a more robust, spicy brew.

4. Let it Steep

Once you’ve simmered the ginger mixture, turn off the heat and let it cool. Allow the mixture to steep for 2-3 hours or, for a more intense flavor, leave it overnight in the refrigerator.

5. Strain the Mixture

Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the ginger mixture to remove all ginger particles and spices. You should be left with a clear, golden liquid.

7. Bottle and Chill

Pour the ginger beer into glass bottles or a pitcher, seal tightly, and refrigerate. Chilling it for a few hours enhances the flavor and gives the drink a nice, cold finish.

Can You Add Alcohol to Trini Ginger Beer?

Yes, you can!

While traditional Trinidad ginger beer is non-alcoholic, you can easily turn it into a spiced cocktail by adding a bit of rum or vodka.

Simply add one shot (1.5 oz) of your preferred spirit to a glass of ginger beer and stir.

Dark rum pairs especially well, complementing the bold ginger and spice flavors for a perfect island-inspired cocktail.

Recipe Substitutions

• Ginger Root: If fresh ginger is hard to find, ground ginger can be used. However, reduce the quantity by about half since ground ginger is more concentrated. The flavor won’t be quite as fresh, but it will still work.
• Sugar Alternatives: Feel free to use brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like sweetness or coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor. You can also use honey or agave for a slightly different sweetness profile.
• Cloves and Cinnamon: These spices are optional, so feel free to omit them if you prefer a purely ginger flavor. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.

How to Store Trini Ginger Beer

Homemade ginger beer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep it in an airtight container or a tightly sealed glass bottle.

The flavors can actually deepen as it sits in the fridge, making it even spicier and more flavorful over time. For best results, always give it a gentle shake before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make ginger beer without sugar?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you prefer a lower-sugar version. However, traditional ginger beer has sugar.

2. Can I make it fizzier?
If you’d like a bit more fizz, add a small amount of soda or sparkling water to each glass before serving. Some people add a pinch of yeast to the ginger mixture before bottling it, then let it ferment for a day or two to create natural carbonation. However, this will require careful bottling and might slightly alter the flavor.

3. Is it safe for kids?
Yes, Trini ginger beer is generally safe for kids since it’s non-alcoholic. However, be mindful of the spiciness of the ginger, as it might be too intense for some children.

4. Can I use ginger powder instead of fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger is preferred for an authentic taste, but you can use about 1/4 cup of ground ginger if fresh is unavailable. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Making your own Trinidad ginger beer is a rewarding experience that lets you customize the flavor to your liking.

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• A Smooth Trini Mauby Bark Drink Recipe
• Trinidad Sorrel Drink- A Christmas Tradition
• Caribbean Passion Mango Juice Recipe
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• Tasty Trini Peanut Punch Recipe