1. Flavoring
2. Extract Flavoring

Jamaica Ginger

Jamaica Ginger

Jamaica Ginger, also called Jake, is a ginger extract that was popular in the U.S. during Prohibition.  The extract contained a large amount of alcohol and could be used as a way to get around the alcohol ban.  The government had a test they would use to determine if the Jamaica Ginger extract contained a legitimate amount of ginger or if it was being used as a vessel for mostly alcohol.

To get around this test a compound called TOCP was added which allowed the extract to pass the government test and still remain relatively drinkable.  Unfortunately TOCP plays havoc with the human nervous system and many thousands of people suffered paralysis as a result.

Today we don't have this problem and Jamaica Ginger is a just used to refer to ginger extract.  I make this stuff myself in order to have an easy way to produce ginger ale or ginger beer.  I can also add a drop or two to a cocktail if I want to introduce some spicy ginger flavor.

Jamaica Ginger recipe

• 1 sample Eden Botanicals CO2 extracted ginger oil (about 25 drops)
• 36 mL Devil's Springs 160 proof vodka (optionally filtered through a water filter)

Add ginger oil to the vodka in a 1 oz amber dropper bottle and agitate this mixture for a few minutes.

I am using 36 mL of vodka because it fits in my 1 oz dropper bottle perfectly.  You may need to scale this back if your bottle only fits 1 oz (28 mL).

Eden Botanicals sells all kinds of plant oils.  Their CO2 ginger oil is magnificent.  Just Google them - you can order a sample size for only a few dollars.

I use Devil's Springs vodka that I have filtered through a Pur water filter (this is my base for bitters as well).  Everclear will also work.

Here is what you can make with your Jamaica Ginger extract.

Ginger Syrup

• 8 drops Jamaica Ginger
• 2 heaping tsp simple syrup (2:1 strength)
• tiny pinch each of citric acid and tartaric acid

Ginger Ale

• 8 drops Jamaica Ginger
• 2 heaping tsp simple syrup (2:1 strength)
• tiny pinch each of citric acid and tartaric acid
• 3 oz club soda

Ginger Beer

• 12 drops Jamaica Ginger
• 2 heaping tsp simple syrup (2:1 strength)
• tiny pinch each of citric acid and tartaric acid
• 3 oz club soda