Don't let the ban on alcohol get between you and your booze
South Africa has a very intimate relationship with alcohol. Perceived as one of the friendliest nations to tourists, we will find any reason to make new friends (or catch up with old ones) over a few cocktails.
New job? Pop the bubbly.
Rugby game? Let's have a few bezzas!
Traditional ceremony? Brew umqobothi.
Ask any South African and they'll tell you that there are very few occasions which don't warrant a drink or two.
Recently, a decent number of us have been getting into brewing our own booze because lockdown regulations have gotten between us and our libations. Internet recipes make it sound easy enough but chats with friends have revealed that isn't necessarily the case. This detailed recipe is to save from bursting beer bottles and dangerous alcohol levels that might knock you off your feet for a few days.
You'll notice the flavours of the tea and juice are left undefined. When I made my first brew, I figured pineapple juice and chai would work well together. The home brew came out a little bitter but I worked a fair amount of sugar into the beverage and it turned out quite well. Feel free to choice juice and flavour combos that you know you will enjoy. Cranberry and rooibos might do it for you; perhaps an apple and green tea does the trick. The joy is brewing your own beer comes from being creative and having fun so
Ingredients
2l preservative free juice
1l tea
20g instant yeast
1kg sugar
Directions
1. In a bucket, pour juice and tea in with sugar
2. Stir until liquid becomes lukewarm
3. Add yeast then stir thoroughly until it is fully dissolved
4. Place lid on bucket to seal completely
5. Let brew for between 5 - 8 days, opening once daily to stir liquid
***Best served chilled***
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Winter + Global Pandemic = A need to stay as healthy as possible. My article about the healing properties of herbs and spices will help supplement any vitamins you're taking at the moment. Did you know that eating seasonally can also boost your immunity?
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