Natural Ginger Soda

This is a fermented drink full of natural probiotics. Fermentation is the process of converting sugar to BUBBLES!!!! … and sometimes alcohol. This recipe was given to me by two wonderful women near Calgary, Alberta who taught one of my favourite courses - a mixture of gardening, medicine making and cooking.

Prep Time:

5 minutes (plus a couple of minutes each day for up to a week until your soda is fizzy)

Day 1 Ingredients:

• 2 cups spring water

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped organic ginger root

• 2 tablespoons sugar

Day 1 Method:

• Combine ingredients in a mason jar - make sure there is a little extra room in the jar because you’ll be adding more ginger and sugar over the next few days. Stir well. Cover with a cheesecloth. Place in a warm, dry place.

Day 2 - 7 Ingredients:

• Sugar (1 teaspoon per day)

• Ginger (1 teaspoon per day)

Day 2 - 7 Method:

• Each day add 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger root. Stir.

• Repeat until your soda is fizzy (you will hear it bubbling) - this could take up to a week.

• When your soda is fizzy you are ready for the next step:

  • Boil 2 litres of water with 8 inches of chopped ginger root. Once it has cooled a little add 2 cups of sugar.

  • Allow the mixture to cool. Strain.

  • Add the juice of one lemon.

  • Combine with the ginger soda.

  • Strain again to remove solids.

  • Add water to increase contents to 4 litres..

  • Cover with a cheesecloth for 3 -5 days.

    The last step … 3 -5 days later:

  • Your soda has now had a few more days to ferment. It should be bubbling lightly.

  • You can bottle it, serve it up, and/or store in the refrigerator until you want to use your natural ginger soda.

Natural Sparkling Ginger Soda