Ginger Soft Drink

Pour the boiling water over the grated ginger root, sugar, cloves and cinnamon in a large nonreactive pot or bowl (enamel, glass or stainless steel). Cover and set aside in a warm place, in the sun if possible , for at least an hour.

Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cloth. Add the juices and water. Set aside in a warm place for another hour or so.

Gently strain the liquid again, taking care not to disturb the sediment at the bottom. Store in the refrigerator in a large nonreactive container. A glass gallon jar or jug works well.

Serve warm, chilled or on ice, either as is or diluted with water or sparkling water. A squeeze of fresh lime juice in each glass of ginger drink is the cat's meow.

Many variations of homemade ginger beers (soft drinks) are brewed all over sub-Saharan Africa. Fresh ginger makes a spicy drink, cooling in summer, warming in winter and always refreshing and energizing.

This recipe makes a concentrate that can be diluted with plain or sparkling water.