Ginger Soft Drink



INGREDIENTS:

6 cups water, boiling 		

1 cup ginger root, fresh, peeled and grated 		

1 cup sugar 		

2 teaspoons cloves, whole 		

4 each cinnamon sticks 		

1/2 cup lime juice, or lemon, fresh juice 		

1 cup orange juice 		

8 cups cool water

DIRECTIONS:

1. "Many variations of homemade ginger beers (soft drinks)
are brewed all over sub-Saharan Africa. Fresh ginger makes
a spicy drink, cooling in summer, warming in winter and
always refreshing and energizing. Fruit juices other than
the citrus called for below, make interesting variations
in its flavour. When using other juices, I always add the
juice of a couple of lemons or limes. This recipe makes a
concentrate that can be diluted with plain or sparkling
water."

2. Pour the boiling water over the grated ginger root, sugar,
cloves and cinnamon in a large nonreactive pot or bowl (enamel,
glass or stainless steel). 

3. Cover and set aside in a warm place, in the sun if possible,
for at least an hour. 

4. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cloth. Add the
juices and water. Set aside in a warm place for another hour
or so. 

5. Gently strain the liquid again, taking care not to disturb
the sediment at the bottom. Store in the refrigerator in a
large nonreactive container. A glass gallon jar or jug works
well. 

6. Serve warm, chilled or on ice, either as is or diluted with
water or sparkling water. A squeeze of fresh lime juice in each
glass of ginger drink is "the cat's meow".



Ginger Soft Drink