• “If there’s one thing my grandma is known for, it’s her deliciously sweet, home-made ginger beer. Over the years, it’s become something of an institution – and a requisite for the festive season – as she only makes it once a year, for Christmas. Trust me, no December is complete without litres of Ouma’s brew to go around.” Nicole Kemp, F&HE copy editor

    This recipe is a tribute to Nicole’s maternal grandmother, Carol Nel.

    Home-made ginger beer

    Serves: Makes 7L
    Total Time: 10 mins + overnight, to ferment

    Ingredients

    • 7L (28 cups) cold water
    • 1kg white sugar
    • 2g (1 tsp) ground ginger
    • 5g (1 tsp) tartaric acid
    • 5g (1 tsp) cream of tartar
    • 85g (½ cup) raisins
    • 1 x 10g packet instant dry yeast

    Instructions

    1

    Place all of the ingredients in an extra-large glass jar. Mix until well combined. Cover with a clean tea towel. Set aside to ferment overnight.

    2

    When ready to serve, pour the ginger beer through a chinois or a fine-mesh sieve into clean glass bottles. Keep refrigerated.

     

    Imka Webb
    Author

    Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine.  www.imkawebb.com