Ginger beer is a popular drink, especially during the summer season. It’s known for its refreshing and spicy taste. Also, it’s a perfect drink for warm weather.
However, when it comes to the question, “Does ginger beer have alcohol?“. The answer is not straightforward.
This blog post will answer this question and explore this beer’s alcohol content.
Does Ginger Beer Have Alcohol?
The alcohol by volume or ABV of ginger beer varies depending on the brand and the production method. However, it generally ranges from 0% – 5%.
This beer originated in England in the eighteenth century. It undergoes the fermenting process of mixing grated ginger, sugar, and water.
This fermentation process creates a carbonated drink with a spicy flavor many enjoy.
The fermentation process used to make this drink can produce alcohol as a byproduct.
During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugar in the mixture, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol.
To prevent the ABV from getting too high, commercial brands often pasteurize the drink or add a stabilizer to stop fermentation.
However, some brands may leave alcohol in the drink to enhance the flavor or extend the shelf life.
Whether or not this alcoholic drink contains alcohol, it has several health benefits.
Ginger is the main ingredient in this beverage. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
This beverage is also a good vitamin B6, magnesium, and phosphorus source.
The ABV of this drink
Does Ginger Ale Have Alcohol?
The short answer is no! Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic beverage. It does not contain any alcohol.
The confusion about ginger ale containing alcohol may have arisen due to its name. The term “ale” does not necessarily mean that the beverage contains alcohol.
Ginger ale is a soda-carbonated soda sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
The ginger flavor is usually derived from the ginger extract, not fermented ginger. Therefore, this drink is safe for those wanting to avoid alcohol.
Ginger Ale
What Is The Difference Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale?
Many people may confuse ginger beer and ginger ale. While both contain ginger, they differ in production, flavor, alcohol content, and brewing storage.
Keep reading to explore these differences and understand which is right for you.
Production
Ginger ale is made by mixing carbonated water with ginger extract, sugar, and other flavorings.
The maker then pasteurized the mixture to kill any bacteria and bottles for distribution.
Meanwhile, beermakers make ginger beer by fermenting a mixture of ginger, sugar, water, and yeast.
The fermentation process gives ginger beer a unique flavor and slightly alcoholic content.
The manufacturer often brews Ginger beer in small batches. They don’t pasteurize it, which gives it a shorter shelf life than ginger ale.
Flavor
Ginger beer has a more robust and spicier flavor than ginger ale. This beer is fermented. It creates a more complex flavor profile.
In addition to the ginger, you can taste notes of yeast, sugar, and sometimes even citrus.
Ginger ale, on the other hand, has a milder ginger flavor sweetened with additional sugar or other flavorings.
Alcohol Content
Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic beverage. Meanwhile, ginger beer typically has an ABV of 4% – 5%.
Brewing Storage
Ginger beer can last longer than ginger ale. The yeast allows it to continue fermenting. It can increase the alcohol concentration and carbonation over time.
Meanwhile, ginger ale has a shorter shelf life. Hence, consume it before its expiration date.
The differences
How To Keep The Alcohol Content Of Ginger Beer Stronger?
Keeping the alcohol content more robust can be challenging, but you can accomplish it with the proper techniques.
Use More Ginger
One way to increase the ABV of this beverage is to use more ginger. Ginger contains yeast which ferments sugar, producing alcohol.
Using more ginger will increase the amount of yeast and sugar. It will lead to a higher ABV.
To do this, add grated ginger to your recipe or use ginger syrup with a higher concentration.
Allow More Fermentation Time
The yeast has more time to convert sugar into alcohol if you let the drink ferment. Ferment it for 3 – 4 days before consumption for the best result.
Add Yeast
You can add yeast to your recipe to ensure a more robust ABV in your ginger beer. It will increase the number of yeast cells, and it results in a more efficient fermentation process.
You can purchase additional yeast from a brewing supply store or use a packet of bread yeast readily available at most grocery stores.
Ginger Beer
How To Keep The Alcohol Content Of Ginger Beer Lower?
Some ginger beer recipes can result in high alcohol content. Here are some tips on how to keep its ABV lower:
Use Less Ginger
Ginger contains natural yeasts that can ferment the sugar in the drink, resulting in alcohol.
Use less ginger in your recipe to lower your ginger beer’s ABV. You can also experiment using ginger extracts or syrups instead of fresh ginger.
Monitor The Fermentation Process
You can monitor the fermentation process using a hydrometer to prevent increasing ABV in this beverage.
A hydrometer measures the drink’s specific gravity, indicating the sugar left in the mixture.
When the specific gravity reaches a certain point, you can stop fermentation to prevent the alcohol concentration from increasing.
Use Non-Fermentable Sweeteners
Using sweeteners that are not fermentable, you can prevent the natural yeasts from consuming sugar and alcohol.
However, these ingredients may change your beverage’s taste. Hence, it would be best to experiment to find the right balance.
How To Make Ginger Beer?
Ingredients:
To make this drink, prepare the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of grated ginger
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of yeast
- 4 cups of water
Instructions:
- Add the grated ginger, sugar, and lemon juice to a big bowl. Mix well. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Add 4 cups of water. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the yeast. Stir until it’s completely mixed.
- Cover your bowl using a cloth. Give the mixture one or two days to rest at room temperature. The longer you let it sit, the stronger the beverage is.
- After this period, strain the drink into a bottle using a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
- Store it in the refrigerator for two hours before serving.
Watch this video for more recipe ideas:
In A Nutshell
Ginger beer is generally a non-alcoholic beverage loved for its unique flavor and refreshing qualities.
However, some commercial brands of ginger beer may contain a small alcohol amount due to the fermentation process.
Its ABV can vary from 0% – 5%. Thus, checking the label before consuming is always a good idea.
If you want an utterly non-alcoholic option, many brands are alcohol-free and just as delicious.
