Growing up, Ginger Ale was the bubbly drink my mother gave me when I wasn’t feeling well, always from a can. So I was super excited to create this home-made version after being inspired by one of my favorite herbalist teachers, Kami McBride. And when I can re-create a favorite from my childhood AND make it healthy it’s a double win.

So, why bother to make our own?

Canned ginger ale usually has artificial sweeteners and chemicals —

while it might be tasty, it’s not what you want when you need to feel better! In case you were wondering, here are the ingredients in one of the most popular brands of Ginger Ale, Canada Dry:

CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND LESS THAN 2% OF: GINGER EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, CLARIFIED LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, CITRIC ACID, ACACIA GUM, ESTER GUM, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVATIVES), YELLOW 5.

So as you can see, the canned version you’ll find at the grocery store is not a medicinal drink by any means and will not be helping you fight off anything.

 

I shared my recipe with the women in my Medicine Woman Membership and we’ve gotten so many amazing reviews back about this drink helping to stop sickness in it’s tracks.

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

Fresh ginger – is known to actually kill viruses in their tracks. Ginger can also warm the body and sooth gas/nausea

Raw local honey – honey is a medicine in it’s own right. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, honey helps the body fight pathogens and also adds a delicious sweetness to this drink.

Elderberry syrup – this one is pretty famous at the moment! Elderberry is having her time in the sun and for good reason. This berry helps the body fight viruses and I’ve experienced many times the syrup helping me and my family not get sick. Your syrup ingredients will depend on who made it. I make my own with raw honey, ginger and other medicinal herbs.

Carbonated Spring Water – this is what gives you the bubbles! We use a bottled version with no added flavor, sugars or colorings.

Pomegranate juice – I will definitely use this when pomegranates are in season, squeezing my own. I prefer fresh over bottled, as it just has more medicinal power. Pomegranates are off the charts in Vitamin C, which helps the body stay healthy and also fight off any pathogens you come across. It’ also makes your drink a beautiful red color and extra delish.

 

Let’s dive in to the recipe!

“Bye Virus” Ginger Ale

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

•    2 Teaspoons Raw local honey
•    ¼ to 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger juice (start with less and go up from there)
•    1 cup carbonated spring water
•    1 cup ice
•    1 teaspoon elderberry syrup

*** Optional – the juice of half a pomegranate ***

Directions:

1.   Juice your ginger. This is what will take more time than anything else with this drink and you do need a juicer. So I usually juice a good amount to keep in a glass jar and use for the week – for this drink, other juices, teas and even stir fry dishes.

2. Add your honey, ginger juice, and elderberry syrup and stir until combined.  This is where you would add your fresh pomegranate juice as well if you have it. For the pomegranate juice, I cut it in half and sqeeze by hand into a bowl. Then strain.

3. Now add your sparkling water and stir again.  Add your ice and enjoy as you feel the ginger doing it’s work.
4.  Drink daily when you are exposed to cold and flu to help prevent sickness and/or lessen severity and length of sickness.

*** If you’re making this for little ones – go very light on the ginger. Most children don’t like a strong ginger flavor – it’s too much for their little taste buds ***

I absolutely LOVE this drink just for the flavor and fun but wow does it pack a medicinal punch. It’s a great recipe to have on hand when you and your family need a little extra boost to the immune system.

Enjoy and Cheers to your health!

Audrey

 

*** DISCLAIMER – I am not a doctor and this is not medical advise. I’m sharing a recipe with you that I’ve used for over 10 years with amazing results. These are herbs that have been used for centuries. Always do your own research before taking any herb. If you are taking medication and/or have an illness always consult your health practitioner before taking any new herb. ***

 

• You can watch me prepare this recipe on Indy Style here.

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