It's not too late!!! Make your own Gingerbeer to drink by itself (cause it's beyond nice) or to add to the most awesome cocktails for New Years (stay tuned). And of course Mrs Rogers Ground Ginger (http://bit.ly/mrsrogers_ginger) is the only spice you need.
Put the sugar in the bucket and fill the bucket halfway up with hot water stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
In a pot put ground ginger and lemon rind (add the lime leaves if using). Add two cups of water and simmer to release the flavours. While this is simmering, add enough cold water to the bucket to make it blood temp warm, not too hot or cold you don’t want to kill the yeast. Now add the yeast, stir every now and then to dissolve it.
Once the pot has infused all the flavours into the water strain it off through a knee-high pantyhose or similar and dispose of the sediment. Add this juice to the bucket of water, sugar and yeast and give it a good stir. Then when all the yeast has dissolved add the half a cup of lemon juice.
Put equal amounts into the bottles and top up with more warm water. Screw the tops down tight. Put in a cool place for 3 days then test to see if you have fizz by undoing a cap slightly. It will go fizz if it’s working well. You can leave it for another day before refrigerating it all. If NOT kept in the fridge it will keep working and explode!!!!