Quick Ginger Beer

Name: Quick Ginger Beer
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups water; 1 pound fresh ginger, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 2 1/2 cups); 1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar or white sugar; Crushed ice; 1 lime, cut into 6 to 8 wedges

By Virginia Burke

January 19, 2007

Image may contain Cutlery Fork Pottery and Saucer

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

This is the easy way to make ginger beer, where the ginger is simply soaked — just slightly fermented — for 24 hours (another method requires up to a five-day fermentation). Ginger beer is one of Jamaica's most popular soft drinks and is sold practically everywhere, from the supermarket to roadside stands.

This drink is wonderfully refreshing. If the ginger heat is too much, tame it with more crushed ice and some club soda.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.