Ginger Beer

Ingredients

• 3-4 inches fresh gingerroot (not ground ginger)
• 2 limes, juice of (or similar amount of lemon, pineapple, or grapefruit juice)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 whole cloves (optional) or 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 gallon water

Directions

1. 1

   Carefully remove and discard the ginger root's outer layer.

2. 2

   Pound the ginger root to a pulp and place in a large ovenproof glass mixing bowl or stainless steel container.

3. 3

   In a teakettle heat six cups of water to a boil.

4. 4

   Pour water over the ginger, cover with a lid or a clean cloth.

5. 5

   Put the mixture in a warm place. A sunny spot on a tabletop in front of a window is a good place on a hot day; an oven that has been slightly heated then turned off is a good place on a cold day. Wait one hour.

6. 6

   Place a clean cheesecloth or a paper towel in a strainer and pour the the mixture through it into a large jar or pitcher (or two jars or pitchers as necessary).

7. 7

   Squeeze the cloth to extract all the liquid from the ginger root. Mix in the citrus juice, sugar, and spices.

8. 8

   Fill the jar with lukewarm water to make a gallon.

9. 9

   Return the mixture to a warm spot and wait another hour.

10. 10

    Strain the ginger beer once more and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice.