For a ginger ale replacement, you don't need anything too strong. But if you really want to amp up the spice, you could steep the ginger for an hour or more -– even overnight if you really want to.

Prepare the Ginger Ale Base In a clean, 2-liter plastic bottle (do not use glass as it may explode during fermentation), combine the ginger syrup, lemon juice, and active dry yeast.

You want a beer that’s on the lighter side, but not a light beer, which will make the cocktail too watery. “You want flavor, but not too much flavor.” Follow the formula — and your tastebuds ...