Hop Water Recipe - Making Hop Water

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to making hop water, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that captures the flavors of hops similar to beer. With just a few ingredients and simple methods, you can create your own hop water at home.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment ready:

Ingredients

• Tap water or spring water
• Hops (Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, Simcoe, or other varieties)
• Lemon juice (optional, about one tablespoon)
• Carbonated water or sparkling water

Equipment

• Digital scale
• Pot for steeping
• Hop bag or cheesecloth for straining
• Thermometer
• Containers for storage (mason jars, growlers, or bottles)

Step 2: Prepare the Water

1. Heat your water to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the optimal temperature for steeping hops, similar to making tea.
2. If you don’t have a thermometer, use boiling water and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Steep the Hops

1. Measure out your hops. For a batch of two gallons (7 liters), you will need 4 grams of hops (approximately 15-20 hop pellets).
2. Place the hops in a hop bag or cheesecloth to prevent debris in your final product.
3. Once your water reaches 170 degrees, add the lemon juice if using. This helps balance the pH and adds flavor.
4. Submerge the hop bag in the water and steep for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cool the Hop Water

1. After steeping, remove the hop bag carefully.
2. Allow the hop water to cool to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can:
   • Let it sit uncovered on the stove.
   • Place it in the fridge or freezer.
   • Use an ice bath: Fill a sink with ice water and place the pot inside until cooled.

Step 5: Combine with Carbonated Water

1. For serving, mix your hop water with sparkling water. The ratio is one part hop water to two parts sparkling water.
   • For example, if you use 500 milliliters of sparkling water, add 250 milliliters of hop water.
2. Mix just before serving to maintain carbonation.

Step 6: Optional Keg Method

If you want to make a larger batch and have a keg system:

1. After steeping and cooling the hop water, transfer it to the keg.
2. Add still water to top up the keg (1.25 gallons/4.5 liters).
3. Carbonate using CO2 at 35 PSI for 24 hours. Then leave it off for another 24 hours before serving.

Conclusion

Making hop water is a straightforward process that results in a flavorful, refreshing beverage. Experiment with different hop varieties and adjust the lemon juice to your taste. Whether you serve it at a gathering or enjoy it yourself, hop water is a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. For more recipes and brewing tips, consider checking out additional resources or experimenting with your beer-making skills. Enjoy your homemade hop water!