Fermented Ginger Ale
A refreshing, probiotic-rich take on classic ginger ale!
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Serving Size:
4 servings (8 fl oz / 237ml)
3 days + 15 minutes
Total Time:
This naturally fermented soda is made using a ginger bug, giving it a deep, zesty flavor with a light effervescence. Not only does it taste better than store-bought versions, but it also supports gut health with beneficial probiotics. Before you start, make sure to see our other recipe on how to make your own ginger bug!
What You'll Need
Equipment:
1 quart-size jar with a tight-fitting lid
4 (8 fl oz / 237ml) bottles with screw-on caps (not airtight)
Mesh strainer
2 bowls
Flour-sack towel or cheesecloth
Ingredients:
½ cup fresh ginger root, peeled and diced (if organic, peeling is optional)
6 tbsp white cane sugar (OR see Cook’s Notes)
4 cups filtered, chlorine-free water (room temperature)
½ cup ginger bug
How to Make It
Step 1
Prepare the Ginger Base: In a saucepan, combine the diced ginger and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2
Sweeten & Cool: Remove from heat, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Strain the liquid through a mesh strainer lined with a flour-sack towel or cheesecloth into a bowl. You should have about 3½ cups of liquid. Set aside to cool to room temperature (68°F-72°F / 20°C-22°C).
Step 3
Strain the Ginger Bug: Place a mesh strainer lined with a flour-sack towel or cheesecloth over another bowl. Strain ½ cup of ginger bug from its jar.
Step 4
Combine: Once the ginger liquid has cooled, add the strained ginger bug and stir well.
Step 5
Ferment: Pour the mixture into a clean quart-sized jar, leaving 1 inch (2.5cm) of headspace. Secure the lid, place the jar in a bowl, and ferment at room temperature for 3 days in a dark, stable environment (68°F-72°F).
Step 6
Check for Carbonation: By the third day, the ginger ale should be bubbling, indicating fermentation is complete.
Step 7
Enjoy: Serve over ice immediately, or transfer to bottles with screw-on caps for storage. If using swing-top bottles for stronger carbonation, ensure they are made for carbonated beverages (see notes).
Additional Notes:
🌿 Bottling for the Perfect Fizz For the freshest taste, enjoy your ginger ale the same day it’s ready, or store it in bottles with loose-fitting screw caps to prevent excess pressure buildup. If you prefer a stronger, longer-lasting carbonation, use swing-top bottles specifically designed for fizzy drinks—but be mindful! These can sometimes build up too much pressure, so check them occasionally to avoid any unexpected pop!
🍂 Sweetener Swap for a Deeper Flavor If you want that classic golden ginger ale color, stick with white cane sugar. But if you’re in the mood for something richer, try unrefined whole cane sugar or coconut sugar. These options give your ginger ale a cozy, almost gingerbread-like depth, making it the perfect sip for both warm summer nights and crisp autumn afternoons.
🍃 A Living Soda This isn’t your average store-bought soda—it’s alive! The natural fermentation creates probiotics that support gut health, so think of every sip as a little love letter to your digestion. Want to keep the good vibes going? Save a bit of your ginger bug and use it to kickstart your next batch! Sip, savor, and let the natural effervescence work its magic!