Homemade Ginger Soda (Ginger Ale)

Ginger Ale is a ginger soft drink that is quite popular in other countries. In Brazil, Schweppes launched it some time ago, but we often don’t find it easily. Looking at some foreign websites, I found thousands of recipes for Homemade Ginger Ale and decided to try it to see what the flavor would be. I didn’t follow any recipe because I wanted to make it with very little sugar. I can say it was delicious!!!

This recipe is actually a ginger and lemon syrup to mix into alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. Guys, it’s too good!!! Just put it on fire:

• 1 cup peeled and chopped ginger;
• 1 cup of sugar;
• 3 cups of water;
• peel and juice of 1 lemon

Boil this mixture over low heat until it reduces to 2/3 of the initial quantity, I boiled mine in a “cup” and when it dropped about two fingers I turned it off (it took about 30 minutes). You don’t need to stir it, just every now and then. The longer it boils, the more concentrated it will be. If foam forms on the surface, remove and discard it. Turn off the heat and let it rest until it cools completely. Strain the mixture and store it in the refrigerator.
Important:

• I used Sicilian lemon which I find milder. If you don’t find it, it could be Tahiti.
• This amount of sugar used in the recipe is much smaller than what is indicated on the websites I saw, so for those who like sweeter drinks it is necessary to sweeten it in the glass. I did it this way because my husband likes it less sweet and I like it with sweetener.
• You can make it without sugar and just sweeten it in the glass, but the mixture is thinner, like tea.

Drink recipes with this syrup:

1. Soft drink (Ginger Ale) – the one in the photo at the top.

Pour a little more than half a glass of cold sparkling water, add the syrup (I like 4 tablespoons), sweeten if necessary, add ice and lemon slices.

2. Turbocharged Ginger Ale

Add a dose of your favorite drink (vodka, cachaça, gin, rum, whiskey, etc.), add syrup (4 tablespoons), cold sparkling water, sweeten if necessary, add ice and lemon slices (optional) .I had Ginger Ale with Pisco in Chile and I went crazy! This one:
Mixing 4 tablespoons of the syrup with 1 cup of guarana makes a delicious syrup for dipping cakes.

*Alcoholic drinks are for over 18s. If you drink, do not drive under any circumstances!