How to Make Ginger Beer

This is a common drink in West Africa where it is often made with the local red ginger and is often given to children as a medicine. 

Ingredients:

•  4 large ginger roots
•  juice of 2 limes 
• 180g sugar 
• 1 cinnamon stick 
• 1.2 litres of water 

Preparation:

• Peel the ginger then pound to a paste with a pestle and mortar. Place in a large mixing bowl along with the cinnamon stick and sugar. 
• Bring the water to a boil and pour over the ginger. Cover with a cloth and place in a sunny spot in front of a window.
• Wait an hour then strain the mixture through cheesecloth. Squeeze the cloth to extract as much liquid as possible.
•  Add the citrus juice and make up to 2 litre. Return to a warm spot and wait a further hour. 
• Strain once more, refrigerate and serve chilled.