FAQs
Ginger beer – the delicious, brewed, fermented beverage that we all know and love – first appeared around the mid-1700s in England. It was initially made as a fermented alcoholic beverage using ginger, sugar and water.
Where did ginger beer originate? ›
Ginger Beer Origins
Ginger Beer was first created in Yorkshire, England in the 1700s during the colonial spice trade. It was made by mixing ginger, sugar water and optional lemon and/or cream of tarter together and leaving it to sit and ferment.
What is the background of ginger beer? ›
Ginger beer originated in England and it was made by fermenting and brewing sugar, ginger, water and sometimes lemon with a starter culture called the ginger beer plant. As a result, traditional ginger beer contained around 11 percent alcohol; this is also why beer became part of its name.
What is the history of ginger beer in the Caribbean? ›
As trade routes expanded, ginger found its way to Europe where it was incorporated into a variety of beverages. In the 18th century, English settlers in the Caribbean discovered that fermenting ginger with sugar and water produced a fizzy and delicious drink.
Why is ginger beer no longer alcoholic? ›
Modern ginger beer is not fermented, but is instead carbonated, making it a soft drink. This ginger beer typically contains less than . 5 percent alcohol, and is not classified as an alcoholic beverage.
Is ginger beer good for your stomach? ›
Ginger root, a plant indigenous to southern China, contains hundreds of compounds that provide several important benefits to those who ingest it. Drinking ginger beer can help reduce inflammation, promote digestion, relieve nausea, and even help in the prevention of cancer.
Why do they call it ginger beer? ›
Ginger beer is a drink originating from England, where sugar, ginger, water, and sometimes lemon were fermented and brewed with a starter culture called the ginger beer plant, resulting in a brew with about 11 percent alcohol. This also explains how the word “beer” is part of the name.
Who first made ginger beer? ›
Brewed ginger beer originated in Yorkshire in England in the mid-18th century, it was popular in Britain and its colonies from the 18th century. Other spices were variously added and any alcohol content was limited to 2% by excise tax laws in 1855.
Why is ginger beer so expensive? ›
It is expensive to do it, and ginger juice makes such a big component that to make it it's our highest cost per production beer that we make.
What are some fun facts about ginger beer? ›
Ginger Beer Trivia
- You can grow ginger from the “eyes” on the ginger rhizome.
- Ginger has long been known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger beer was one of the first fermented beverages in the Americas.
- Traditionally brewed ginger beer can help with nausea and upset stomach.
Real ginger beer is mildly alcoholic. It has a strong ginger taste, but little to no caffeine. Ginger ale is so dilute that compared to ginger beer it has almost no ginger taste.
Why does ginger beer expire? ›
Because our ginger beer is made with fresh ginger and lemons and we do not add any preservatives, they're perishable and not shelf-stable. Please keep them refrigerated! The 12oz ginger beer bottles, however, do not need to be kept refrigerated as they have been pasteurized.
Which country invented ginger ale? ›
History. Thomas Joseph Cantrell, an Irish apothecary and surgeon, manufactured the first ginger ale in Belfast, Ireland, in the 1850s.
When did ginger beer become popular? ›
In time, ginger beer became the craft brew of its day. During the 18th century and into the 19th century, it reached its peak popularity. It could be found in pubs throughout the UK and restaurants in almost every corner of the US (we've never had pubs, but that's another story).
Which is healthier, ginger ale or ginger beer? ›
Ginger beer and ginger ale do not differ greatly in terms of nutritional values. Ginger ale is the lighter option, with 125.1 calories and 32.3 grams of sugar per can (12 fl oz). Ginger beer is a bit heavier but nevertheless very close to ginger ale, with 140 calories and 35 grams of sugar per can or bottle (12 fl oz).
