<P> Traditional ginger beer is a naturally sweetened and carbonated, usually non-alcoholic beverage . It is produced by the natural fermentation of prepared ginger spice, yeast and sugar . </P> <P> Its origins date from the colonial spice trade with the Orient and the sugar producing islands of the Caribbean . It was popular in Britain and its colonies from the 18th century . Other spices were variously added and any alcohol content was limited to 2% by excise tax laws in 1855 . Few brewers have maintained an alcoholic product . </P> <P> Current ginger beers are often manufactured rather than brewed, frequently with flavor and color additives . Ginger ales are not brewed . </P> <P> Ginger beer is still produced at home using a symbiotic colony of yeast and a Lactobacillus (bacteria) known as a "ginger beer plant". </P>

How old do you have to be to buy ginger beer