When our first daughter was expecting her first child, she had a bit of nausea that sometimes comes with the hormonal changes of pregnancy. I remembered my own experiences and knew that something sweet can help. I also remembered Mom offering us ginger ale when we had stomachaches as kids so I decided to make a ginger simple syrup that could be added to sparkling water for a homemade version of ginger ale.
What is a simple syrup?
Homemade Ginger Syrup is simply a simple syrup infused with ginger. And a simple syrup is just 2 parts water to one part sugar. You can add herbs or fruits to create any flavor you like.
I used David Lebowitz's version, but if the called-for amount of ginger is too spicy for you, feel free to cut back on it. Likewise, if you want more, feel free to add more!
What kind of sugar to use
I always advocate for organic everything so in this case, I use organic cane sugar. If you want to use white granulated sugar, that's your choice.
How do I prepare the ginger?
You don't have to peel the ginger if you don't want to. In fact, I like the bit of darker color that it gives to the syrup. However, if you want to use the ginger pieces for another purpose, you should probably peel them. The leftover ginger can be added to a batch of marmalade, or patted dry and chopped further, then added to just-churned ice cream or gingersnap cookie dough.
You don't have to be precise with the chop on the ginger. The purpose is to get it small enough that while it simmers with the water and sugar that it imparts plenty of ginger flavor in the process.
Bring chopped ginger to a boil with the sugar and water, then simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Your home will smell amazing.
Let the ginger cool in the syrup, then strain it out.
How to use the Homemade Ginger Syrup to make ginger Ale
To make a glass of ginger ale, put some ice in a glass ... or Mason jar. Then add ginger syrup to about a quarter or a third of the glass depending on your taste preferences. Try a quarter first, then add more if you like. Top with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to combine and enjoy.
Recipe
Homemade Ginger Syrup
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chopped ginger (225 grams)
- 4 cups water filtered or spring water preferred
- 2 cups sugar organic cane
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Cut the ginger into thin slices, then coarsely chop it into smaller pieces.
- Let cool, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer. Store the strained syrup in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to use.
- TO MAKE GINGER ALE: Fill glasses with ice, the pour ginger syrup to ¼-⅓ of the glass (depending on your taste), add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Top with sparkling water or tonic water. Stir gently to mix the ingredients and garnish with a round of citrus or fresh mint.
Heather P
I’ve never made a beverage syrup of any kind. I wanted to try making my own ginger ale. This recipe is fantastic! It tastes just like ginger ale when mixed with carbonated water, except better because I can control the sweetness. So pleased with this!!!
Tammy Circeo
I'm happy to hear that, Heather! I love making things absolutely from scratch, not only because I can control the quality of the ingredients, but also of the flavors!
KBec
At the risk of being called a stickler, I'd say any good bartender's simple syrup is a one-to-one ratio of water & sugar. Many do a Rich simple or Rich Demerara simple, which is 2 sugars to 1 water. The latter lasts longer due to the high sugar content preventing mold (from what I read). But I'm sure this syrup is quite tasty.
Tammy Circeo
Well, I'm not a bartender, just an at-home cook. But yes, I know that a classic simple syrup is a one-to-one ratio of water and sugar. Making a simple syrup at home means it's not necessary for it to be long-lasting because you can make only as much as you need in the moment. Actually, even in a commercial setting, I would advise to only make what is necessary and eliminate the need for more sugar. It sounds like you maybe didn't try the recipe before commenting? Perhaps you would be willing to do so and change your rating from 3 stars to 5.
Jamie
How should this be stored and how long should it be kept?? 🤓 New to making simple syrups, but SO excited you shared your recipe! 💕
Tammy Circeo
I hope you'll be able to put this syrup to good use! You can store it in the fridge for quite a long time. There are differing opinions ... some say a week, some say a month, others say 6 months, and yet others say "indefinitely"! As with most things, I encourage you to use common sense and go with your gut.
Linda Breedt
thank you from south africa, cape town. this is delicious!!! Just made it, so refreshing!
Tammy Circeo
You are so welcome! Enjoy. 🙂
Karla Fiallos
Thank you for sharing I want to make naughty but nice cocktails and it requires this.I hope my bar likes it Saturday at the Christmas Party.
Tammy Circeo
I hope so as well! Enjoy.
Tam
can't wait to try!
can it be frozen?
Tammy Circeo
I hope you enjoy it! Yes, you could freeze it. I would suggest freezing it in ice cubes, then pour the sparkling water over a cube when you want a ginger ale!
Denisa
Thank you for the recipe! Greetings from Czechia (Europe). 🙂
Tammy Circeo
You are quite welcome. Bon appetit!
Irene Wong
delicious! not as sweet as other syrup recipes I've tried, and so gingery, I love it. Perfect in a hot tea or cold with carbonated water and lemon.
Tammy Circeo
Thank you, Irene. I love this syrup, too. It's so good for several different applications.
Kadee
I made this to use in tea and lemonade. I did leave out the salt. love it. Just add about 2 ounces to an 8 ounce glass of tea or lemonade (adjust for your taste).
I freeze the ginger slices and use later.
Tammy Circeo
So glad you love it!