Ginger Syrup

1 lb. ginger root, peeled and chopped
5 cups water
1½ cups sugar
¼ tsp. salt

Place ginger and water in large saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Simmer partially covered for 45 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 20 minutes.

Strain through sieve, pressing ginger with back of spoon to extract liquid. Return liquid to pot, add sugar and salt, and heat until dissolved.

Chill syrup until cold.

Makes 1 quart

Homemade Ginger Ale

makes 1 8-oz. drink
1/3 cup ginger syrup
2/3 cup club soda
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Fill a glass with ice, add ingredients and stir. Adjust proportions to taste.

Variation: add 1½ oz. bourbon for a bourbon and ginger.

Ginger Lemonade

1/3 cup ginger syrup
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup cold water

Fill a glass with ice, add ingredients and stir. Adjust proportions to taste.

makes 1 12-oz.drink

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

1/3 cup ginger syrup
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup club soda

Fill a glass with ice, add ingredients and stir. Adjust proportions to taste.

makes 1 12-oz. drink

Gingered Green Tea

Stir about 1 Tbsp. ginger syrup into a cup of green tea. Serve hot or over ice.