Ginger beer

[John V]

Hi dotty, Am I right in thinking there is a difference between the drink of Ginger Beer and the drink of Ginger Ale which is served sometimes in whisky.

[tamii]

John ginger beer is commonly stronger than ginger ale but effectively they are the same drink

[dotty]

Yes John ginger ale is definitely for whisky, ginger beer is just for drinking, nice with lime and a 'splash' of vodka! But going to try it with raki

[John V]

Hi dotty I remember as a youngster making Ginger Beer in big stone pots from something called a ginger beer plant which was obtained from a chemist shop. It also had yeast in it and you floated a tick slice of bread on the top to assist the fermentation. Am I on the right lines, nothing like ginger ale or ginger wine.....John

[dotty]

John I think that is ginger wine as its fermented, ginger beer is just like lemonade with a ginger taste. My gran used to make ginger wine and it sounds similar to what you describe.

[dotty]

...and yes my gran used to buy ginger extract (or something like that) at the chemist

[reesy1959]

Ginger Wine brings back memories of my childhood. Many days before Ne'erday my Mum and Dad would make Ginger Wine and Raspberry Wine, it was gorgeous.

They used to buy a small bottle of Extract in the Coop. I wonder if this can still be bought now?

[dotty]

Sure I seen it before Xmas last year in our local Co-op, have never made it but wouldn't mind trying to. Can just imagine washing down the crumbly tablet with ginger wine - yummy, yummy!

[reesy1959]

Remember to save all your old bottles to bottle it up. Oooh I can still taste the gingery flavour of the ginger wine burning my tongue.

I must phone my Brother in Dumfries and see if you can still get it and he can post me a bottle down

[dotty]

If I happen to see it, will let you know, quite willing to post to you if necessary. x

[reesy1959]

If I happen to see it, will let you know, quite willing to post to you if necessary. x

Aww thanks Dotty, that would be great - very kind of you.

[John V]

Hi dotty if needed there is a quick do it yourself reciepe on the internet for making this concoction....enjoy

[dotty]

Thanks John, will do my research on the internet for recipe. Just hoping I have time to make it at that time of year.

[LynnJenny]

i used to love that drink we are taking my freinds mum she is so funny said tonight can i get sangari sure she thinks shes going to spain

[reesy1959]

i used to love that drink we are taking my freinds mum she is so funny said tonight can i get sangari sure she thinks shes going to spain

You can actually get Sangria in a few pubs, but the nicest Sangria is in Zaza's, all filled with fruit and in a lovely glass too. Our friends who joined us for a day from Marmaris had it in Havana bar and she said it was really nice.

[dotty]

That made me laugh Lynn, tell her she's got to try the local raki, maybe she'll get a taste for that - with cherry juice of course - or ginger!

[LynnJenny]

can you imagen her after one of those shes mad without a drink will take her to zazas she will be thrilled she will be drinking those all night then get up and have a dance

[dotty]

Yes Lynn, sure she'll get on famously with Zaza cos he's mad too

[dotty]

Was in my local Co-op today buying the ingredients for tablet, when lo and behold I came across ginger concentrate, so definitely going to have a go at making it. Mary - I got you a bottle, will bring it to Vince's on 8th Oct.

[reesy1959]

Was in my local Co-op today buying the ingredients for tablet, when lo and behold I came across ginger concentrate, so definitely going to have a go at making it. Mary - I got you a bottle, will bring it to Vince's on 8th Oct.

Fantastic Dotty - thank you so much. I cant wait to make that when I get home.
Looking forward to the tablet too......thanks again, you are a wee star.