If you're looking for a soft drink that has a flavour to make you stand up and take notice, you should give ginger beer a try. I tried some from the store, and was knocked off my feet by the strong taste. Ginger beer is one of the most popular drinks in Jamaica, and can be found all through Africa as well.

Real ginger beer is actually a fermented drink made with yeast (just like regular beer), but you can also make a "quicker" version if you are looking for something with a little less hassle. I have a few recipes here to make an overnight ginger beer. Next week I'll have some true ginger beer recipes that call for fermentation and bottling.

Jamaican Ginger Beer

• 1 pound whole fresh ginger
• 8 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 1/2 quarts water Crushed ice

Peel and chop ginger. Combine with water and puree in a blender. Let mixture sit (covered) at room temperature for 24 hours. Strain out solids and pulp, and stir in sugar until dissolved. Serve over crushed ice.

Lemon Ginger Beer

• 3/4 cup whole fresh ginger
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 tbs lemon zest
• 4 cups sparkling water

Peel and chop ginger. In a blender or food processor, puree the ginger along with the hot water, honey, sugar and lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate (covered) for at least 24 hours (or up to 5 days if you want it stronger). Strain, and serve mixed with sparkling water over ice.

_{This article was originally published at Suite101}