Fresh Ginger Soda
makes about 1 cup of ginger syrup, enough for 6-8 sodas
3 ounces fresh ginger root
2 lemons
1 cup sugar
4 cups water
seltzer
ice to serve
Cut ginger into thin slices and use vegetable peeler to peel zest from lemons. In a medium saucepan, combine ginger, lemon zest, sugar and water; squeeze in juice from both lemons and bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat until liquid is reduced to about a cup and ginger is translucent - about 20-30 minutes. Press through a strainer into a jar and cool thoroughly.
This ginger syrup will keep well refrigerated for several months.
Do not throw away that ginger and lemon peel, though! You’ve just made a mini batch of candied ginger - perfect for chopping finely and stirring into carrot cake or scones!
Crush ice in a kitchen towel to fill a tall glass. Add 2-3 tablespoons ginger syrup and top with seltzer. Give it a quick stir with your favorite straw, garnish at will and enjoy.
Why crush ice inside a towel? This keeps the ice drier and increases surface area which leads to a more delightful beverage experience by speeding up chill time and reducing dilution.