Recipe Mint Ginger Ale

[The Late Night Gourmet]

The soda you drink is really a combination of carbonated water and flavored syrup. So, let’s go make that syrup.

I had planned to make just ginger ale, but I remembered I had a bunch of fresh mint that I planned to use for chimichurri. There was plenty available for this recipe, so in it went.

I was initially concerned that the ginger would have too much of a bite, but the sugar balances it out nicely. And yes, TastyReuben, of course I added some vodka after making this recipe.

Ingredients

1 ginger root, peeled and chopped
1 bunch of fresh mint
1 cup sugar per cup of cup of chopped ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Carbonated water

Directions

1. Add chopped and peeled ginger to 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower to medium-low heat for 15 minutes.

2. Strain contents into a bowl. If desired, add cheesecloth and strain again to get clearer liquid.

3. Return strained liquid to pot. Raise to medium heat, and stir in sugar. Heat until half the volume is boiled off. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

4. Stir syrup into a glass of sparkling water. Adjust proportions to taste.