Just created a new drink - Eleny's Bleeding Heart Lib'rul

[eleny]

:party:

This is a takeoff on the Moscow Mule. What else for a lefty, huh?!

Ginger Beer into a rocks glass with lots of cracked ice
Lime juice - 1/4 or 1/2 of a fresh lime and throw in the rinds
A small dribble of grenadine syrup - it goes a long way and turns the drink a pink in color
2 cherries since we liberals like to share
A shot or 1/2 shot of vodka

Or leave out the alcohol and make it in a tall skinny glass for a virgin drink. That's my favorite.

You can get ginger beer at most big liquor stores. I found mine at a local fruit and veggie store that's open late Spring into October.

Eleny

[GOPisEvil]

1. Make mine a double!

Sounds good.

[eleny]

2. A double?

In that case, let me offer you a plateful of my jalapeno poppers, too.

Jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped with 1/2 slice of bacon. Then grilled on the bbq. Stand Back!!!

[GOPisEvil]

6. Damn! Thanks! Those sound really good!

:9

[DBoon]

3. Ginger beer is easy to DIY

Ingredients:
2 oz green ginger
2 oz cream of tartar
1½ lbs sugar
½ cake yeast
1 gallon boiling water
juice and rind of 2 small limes


Procedure:
Wash and pound ginger and add boiling water.
Add juice and rind of limes and cream of tartar. Then cover but stir frequently.
When lukewarm (tepid), add yeast dissolved in a little water.
Mix well, cover, and leave to stand for six (6) hours.
Sweeten and bottle.


Notes:
The amount of sugar can be varied to suit your needs.
The addition of some rum makes the ginger beer keep better and taste better.
Ginger beer should be kept in the refridgerator after it is made.

[eleny]

4. I was googling up some recipes last night

I read that it's wise to use thick bottles and use a cork instead of a tight cap. Ginger beer can break bottles and pop caps. What's your experience? I've never made my own sodas.

Would a quick substitute be to shave off some fresh ginger into regular ginger ale? I'm thinking of a last minute substitute.

[DBoon]

5. I've had no problems

I let it partially ferment in a large jug, to release some of the CO2, then bottle it and immediately refrigerate it (to slow down the remaining fermentation). I use old glass soft drink bottles with screw caps. My theory is if the bottle could handle cola, it can handle ginger beer.

The only trick is to let it ferment to just the right point before chilling it. You want just enough fermentation to add carbonation. Fermenting it until dry isn't good for the taste. It's meant to be a soft drink with a little kick to it, not a malt liquor.

As for your substitute, I'd add a bit of lemon juice too. Ginger Ale is a whole lot sweeter than ginger beer.

[Maddy McCall]

7. That sounds almost like a cosmopolitan...

and I LOVE cosmopolitans. I might just try to make some ginger beer--that recipe sounds delish! :-)

[eleny]

10. I just googled a Cosmo recipe

And it looks similar. Cranberry juice instead of ginger beer and cointreau instead of grenadine. I'll have to try a Cosmo, too!

[Xipe Totec]

8. I Have The Perfect Dessert For It

Mmm.... Peach Mint Ice Cream

:evilgrin:

[eleny]

9. WOW! Do you make your own ice cream?

Or do you just splash some mint syrup over store bought? I'm not a mint ice cream fan but I have to admit that this combo sounds super! I never would have thought to combine peach and mint. Ooh-la-la!!!