This refined sugar-free ginger ale is refreshing and delicious. It’s sweetened with dates and doesn’t contain added refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. It’s easy to make and is a nutritious alternative to the store-bought sugary stuff. Give this a try if you’re looking for refined sugar-free drink ideas, like this black bean smoothie, which is another yummy option.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor to this delicious beverage. Be sure to use fresh ginger as opposed to jarred or ground ginger.
This homemade ginger ale is sweetened with dates that have been boiled along with the fresh ginger, then strained. Alternatively you can omit the dates and sweeten it with one tablespoon of maple syrup or agave per person (or to taste).
How to Make Refined Sugar-Free Ginger Ale
Start by peeling the fresh ginger. You can use a vegetable peeler, or the back of a spoon can be used to scrape off the peel.
Next you’ll add the ginger, dates, and 4 cups of cold water to a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil. Continue to boil for 25 minutes to make a syrup, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
Once it’s cool, strain the dates and ginger, reserving the syrup (to avoid waste, you can save and freeze the dates and ginger to blend into smoothies). Mix the syrup and six cups of carbonated water in a large pitcher, then serve with ice.
Garnish Ideas
Garnish this ginger ale with fresh mint leaves and lime or lemon slices. For an extra pretty presentation, make a batch of ice cubes in an ice cube tray and add a couple of fresh mint leaves to each cube before freezing.
Storage
Store the ginger and date syrup in the fridge for up to five days. Mix with carbonated water immediately before serving.
Refined Sugar-Free Ginger Ale Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups cold carbonated water
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup peeled and coarsely chopped fresh ginger
- 1 cups pitted dates (tightly packed)
Instructions
- Add the dates, ginger, and 4 cups of cold water to a pot and bring to a boil, then continue to boil, uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove the date and ginger chunks and reserve the syrup (to avoid waste, you can save and freeze the dates and ginger to blend into smoothies).
- Mix the syrup and 6 cups of carbonated water in a large pitcher, then serve with ice.
Notes
- If you’re making this for a large group, prepare a double or triple batch of the syrup in advance, then mix with cold carbonated water right before serving.
- Optional garnishes include fresh mint, lime, or lemon slices.
Nutrition
More Refined Sugar-Free Drinks
- This refined sugar-free sweet tea is perfect for entertaining. It’s easy to make, sweet, and refreshing.
- Or try this chocolate kefir smoothie. It’s filling and makes a delicious breakfast on the go.