Traditional Anglo-Indian Ginger Wine (OT / Old Timers’)
Known affectionately across Anglo-Indian railway colonies as 'OT' (The Other Thing or Old Timers'). A warm, spiced non-alcoholic Christmas ginger cordial brewed with fresh crushed ginger root, caramelized sugar, cloves, and cinnamon.
Ingredients
7 items · scaled for 10 servings
Method & Preparation
6 steps to perfection
- 1
Bruise peeled fresh ginger root in a pestle and mortar to release spicy juices.
- 2
In a large stockpot, boil 2 litres of water with bruised ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for 20 minutes.
- 3
In a small pan, melt 3 tbsp sugar dry over low heat until deeply caramelized and dark amber, then carefully stir into the simmering brew for color.
- 4
Add remaining sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Simmer on low for an additional 10 minutes.
- 5
Remove from heat, strain through a fine cheesecloth into clean glass bottles, and stir in fresh lime juice.
- 6
Let cool and chill before serving with Christmas cakes and savory snacks.
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