How To Make a Ginger Bug and Wild Soda Fermented Drink

Creating and Using a Ginger Bug: A Guide for Wild Fermented Drinks

I had such a great time teaching at the Albany Summer School program in January 2025! I met so many wonderful people who were interested in learning about fermentation. We talked about kombucha and other processes involving fermentation (like sourdough). One of the most popular topics was ginger bugs. I had a few requests to write a blog post about how to make and use them, so here it is!

What is a Ginger Bug?

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A ginger bug is a fermented starter culture that can be used to make naturally fermented ginger ale and other delicious beverages. It's a simple mixture of ginger, sugar, and water that ferments over several days, creating a bubbly, probiotic-rich liquid. The "bug" refers to the wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria that thrive in this mixture, giving it its characteristic fizz and flavour.

Why Make Your Own Ginger Bug?

There are many reasons to make your own ginger bug. First, it's a great way to reduce your reliance on store-bought drinks, which are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. Second, it's a fun and rewarding project that can be done at home with minimal equipment. Kids love seeing this process and (generally) love drinking their creations. And third, it's a great way to add probiotics to your diet, which can have a number of health benefits.

How to Make a Ginger Bug

Making a ginger bug is easy, but it does require some patience. Here's what you'll need:

• A glass jar

• Filtered water

• Fresh ginger, grated

• Sugar (white or raw)

Instructions:

1. Grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and add it to the jar.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the jar.

3. Pour 1 cup of filtered water into the jar.

4. Stir the mixture well.

5. Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band.

6. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 hours.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 for the next 5-7 days, or until the mixture is bubbly and has a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma.

How To Use A Ginger Bug

Once your ginger bug is bubbly and active, you can use it to make ginger ale. Here's what you'll need:

• Ginger bug

• Filtered water

• Sugar

• Fresh ginger, sliced

• Lemon or lime juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool completely.

4. Once the syrup is cool, add 1/4 cup of ginger bug, 1/4 cup of sliced ginger, and 1/4 cup of lemon or lime juice (if using).

5. Pour the mixture into a 1 litre glass jar.

6. Add enough filtered water to fill the jar.

7. Stir the mixture well.

8. Cover the jar with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days, or until it is bubbly and has a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma.

9. Once the ginger ale is carbonated to your liking, you can strain it and enjoy!

Tips for Success Wild Fermentation

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• Use filtered water to make your ginger bug. You don’t want fluoride or chlorine in your water!

• Use fresh, organic ginger if possible.

• Be patient! It can take up to a week for your ginger bug to become active.

• If your ginger bug isn't bubbly after a week, try adding a little more sugar or ginger.

• Once your ginger bug is active, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• To keep your ginger bug alive, you will need to feed it regularly. To do this, simply add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the jar every week.

• Keep and eye on your fermenting ginger ale. If you seal the lids completely, you’ll need to burp it so there’s no accidental explosion!

• You can use your ginger bug to make other fermented beverages, such as fruit sodas and mead.

• Ginger bug is a natural product, so the flavour and carbonation of your ginger ale may vary depending on the ingredients you use and the fermentation conditions.

• There is a small amount of alcohol in ginger ale made with a ginger bug. The amount of alcohol will vary depending on the fermentation time.

I hope this blog post has been helpful! If you have any questions about making or using a ginger bug, please feel free to leave a comment below.

About the Author

I'm passionate about living with resilience and I love sharing my knowledge with others. I believe that everyone can make a difference in the world, no matter how small. I'm excited to be a part of the growing movement of people who are committed to living a more sustainable lifestyle.

I'm also the founder of Eight Acres Permaculture, and I’m a resilient living educator in Western Australia. At Eight Acres, I offer a variety of workshops and courses on topics such as permaculture, growing your own food, and homesteading skills. On our small farm, I grow our own food and raise animals.

I believe that education is key to creating a resilient lifestyle. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.

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