Jamaican Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a very popular beverage in Jamaica. This zingy drink goes well with spicy jerk chicken or pork. It is sometimes fermented, but the simpler, non-alcoholic recipe version is given here. For a bubbly beverage, puree the ginger with 2-3 cups of regular water, then use club soda to bring the total amount of liquid up to 2 quarts.

3/4 - 1 pound gingerroot, chopped
2 quarts water
2/3 - 3/4 cups sugar
2 - 3 lemons or limes, juice only

Place the chopped ginger, 3 cups of the water and 2/3 cup sugar in a blender and puree well. Let set for at least 30 minutes or overnight to extract all the flavor.

Strain the liquid through a fine-meshed sieve and pour into a pitcher. Add enough water to make 2 quarts and stir in the the lemon or lime juice and additional sugar to taste. Chill well before serving.

Makes about 2 quarts