GINGER WINE otherwise known as OT or the OTHER THING

GINGER WINE – ALSO KNOWN AS THE OTHER THING

Homemade Ginger Wine is a must have during Christmas Time. Mildly hot and sweet, it is made by boiling sliced root ginger with sugar in water. Ginger Wine is a good digestive and helps to wash down all the rich food over Christmas

Ginger Wine is more of a cordial rather than a wine. It is also known as O T or ‘THE OTHER THING’  - the Temperance Drink for Teetotalers. In the days of prohibition during the war, people were advised to drink non-temperance wines. This Ginger wine is not fermented and non-alcoholic.  However, it could be fortified with the addition of a little Rum or Brandy if desired. It can be served cold as well as at room temperature.  It could also be added to lemonade or ginger beer if desired.

Ingredients 

100 grams fresh ginger                     

1 kg sugar

6 limes (extract the juice)                   

2 pieces cinnamon about one inch in length 

1 red chillie (remove the seeds)    (Kashmiri Chillie)       

4 litres water

Preparation

Peel and wash the ginger and cut into thin slices. Make lime juice and keep aside. 

In a large clean vessel, boil the fresh ginger, sugar, cinnamon and red chillies with 4 litres of water on low heat till the decoction is slightly thick. 

Remove from heat and add the lime juice. When cold, strain through a thin cloth, then bottle, and use whenever required. This wine will last for almost 3 months if kept in the fridge.