Ginger Ale

I've been meaning to make this for yonks, and the Cook the Elves weekend gave me the perfect opportunity! I shaved the ginger with a potato peeler, which gave it more surface and more flavor. Instead of lemon flavoring I used shaved pieces of lemon peel and strained that out with the ginger. I only had liquid stevia around, and used just a few drops. This makes a great syrup to use with club soda, but it also makes a great syrup to add to a chicken stir-fry. Add just about a tablespoon to your stir-fry with lots of scallions and some lemon-grass, and you have a winner!

This is even better than store-bought Gingerale! I had to use substitutes, though. I used vanilla essence for the vanilla flavouring, sugar for Stevia powder and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the non-alcoholic lemon flavouring. I'll be serving this tomorrow. I "had to" try it first because I have been wanting to make this and taste it since ages!! Thank You for posting and THANK YOU for Zaar!

I tried the recipe as written (except I used sugar instead of stevia). Way too much vanilla for my taste. I actually liked it better without the vanilla or the lemon, just ginger root and sugar.

The best home-made ginger ale I've tried! The vanilla is very strong, I used pure vanilla extract - only 1 Tbs and it was too much. I used lemon extract (only 2 tsp - which was enough). The level of stevia was perfect. I too peeled my ginger into small pieces and next time I may even grate it so all the ginger-y goodness can come out. I don't know if it helped or not, but I boiled the mixture for 10 minutes then simmered it (covered) for about an hour. The result is a very lively ginger flavor!

I was so happy to find a recipe, right off the bat, that used Stevia - which I have on hand!!! I would add less Vanilla. I used the stout stuff from Mexico so it was almost like drinking a bubbly vanilla drink with a hint of lemon. I think I might add extra ginger next time.