Now, as I know it, and maybe you know it too, Ginger Beer isn't actually beer. That is, it's not an alcoholic beverage; not a ginger-flavored alcoholic beverage brewed from malt and hops. And it's not a carbonated soft drink, like root beer. And, of course, Ginger Beer isn't the same as ginger Bush Tea. But if you want a kick and a punch in your beverage without alcohol or carbonation, and if you don't feel like Bush Tea, Ginger Beer might just be for you.
Of course, Ginger Beer can be made to taste; and I've never personally seen anyone wanting a kick and a punch disappointed, even if a time or two I've seen some surprised by the extent of kick and punch. And, presumably, a person not liking ginger at all would never turn to drink Ginger Beer.
A basic recipe for Ginger Beer: Grate or crack ginger; boil cinnamon and clove and likely spices in water separately; pour boiled mixture onto ginger; add sugar; let rest until ready. Some crack and boil the ginger, some add the sugar to the spices as they boil even if they don't boil the ginger itself, and many a recipe might include lemon or lime. Recipes by professionals might also get fancy with other than sugar as a fermenting agent, and with other ingredients for a variety of other purposes. Recipes may also vary as to portions and durations, here omitted to protect the unwary, and me, so don't try this at home unless you know what you're doing.
I've heard it said that if you don't ferment Ginger Beer in cool water, then it's likely to turn sour, but I don't know whether this is actually true, and I don't also know whether it's actually true that lime or lemon used can combat the potential of Ginger Beer to turn sour.
Try this old time Masquerade spoken pause from the main action with conviction, and you especially know what I mean if you know about Masquerade before it turn fully just mas' and you remember this one:
“Christmas comes but once a year! And everyman must have his share! Poor Brother Willie in the Jail! Drinking sour Ginger Beer!” Shout, then masquerade drums and more dancing action to follow . . . .
As I know it: Ginger Beer packs a kick and a punch, is great for holiday time celebrations, and can be used all year 'round. But watch out that you're not drinking sour Ginger Beer like poor Brother Willie in the mas' chant of old.
Is Ginger Beer also one of your favorite Old Time Drinks? What's your favorite old time drink? How do you know it?
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