A month or so ago, the PinterTest Kitchen put out their blogger call to participate in recipe makeovers. I quickly signed up so we could share some of our own remake favorites – starting with this Homemade Ginger Ale.

Funny how ginger ale comes off as the healthier soda, yet it’s still loaded with tons of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate, natural flavors and caramel color. But, sometimes there’s nothing like a cold, fizzy glass.

If you’re hooked on the green bottle, we encourage you to back away and make a batch of this fresh homemade ginger ale. You’ll get the amazing health benefits of real ginger and raw honey – a win-win.

Ginger is one of nature’s medicinal miracles. In Ayurveda (one of the world’s oldest holistic whole-body healing systems developed thousands of years ago in India based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit), ginger is known as “universal medicine.” It stimulates digestive and nervous system functions, boosts circulation, treats colds and fevers, is effective in treating motion sickness and nausea, it’s anti-inflammatory, helps alleviate arthritic pain, normalizes blood pressure and supports the liver (just to name a few amazing benefits).

Raw honey, one of nature’s superfoods, contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and 5,000 enzymes. And, has been scientifically proven to help with allergies, diabetes, sleep problems, coughs and wound healing. The key to reaping the benefits is keeping it raw and not heating above 104°.

A note about seltzer

Did you know seltzer can have ingredients like corn syrup? Be sure to read the label before purchasing. Better yet, if you drink seltzer often, look into a soda machine for your house. The best part – you control the water quality and what goes in.

Blog hosts The PinterTest Kitchen are also running a
#RecipeMakeover giveaway – visit them to enter.
And, stay tuned this week for more recipe remakes!

Homemade Ginger Ale

GLUTEN, GRAIN, SOY & DAIRY FREE • PALEO FRIENDLY
VEGAN WHEN MADE WITH MAPLE OR COCONUT SUGAR
SERVES 12+

Use This

4 cups filtered water
8 ounces fresh ginger, grated
Pinch of sea salt
2 cups (21.6oz) honey
1 cup ice
1 cup seltzer

Do This – Ginger-Honey Syrup

1. In a medium pot, over medium-high heat, add water, ginger and salt; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and steep 30 minutes.
2. Carefully strain liquid through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard or compost ginger.
3. Add honey, mixing well with a whisk until dissolved.
4. Let cool and jar. Store in fridge; good for 2 weeks.

Do This – Ginger Ale

1. Fill glass with 1 cup of ice.
2. Add 3-4 tablespoons ginger-honey syrup and 1 cup seltzer; stir. Adjust to taste.

Quick Tips: Wondering where to find fresh, young ginger? Check your local farmers’ market. More and more farmers are beginning to grow it in greenhouses, making it a special Fall find. And, this homemade ginger ale totally works for entertaining – everyone (including kids) loves the bright, fresh taste.

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