Homemade Ginger Ale

I love all things ginger, preferably in beverage form and slightly (or very) spiked. I decided to try my first crack at making simple syrup, with a lovely gingery kick. When added with club soda + a lime wedge, it becomes a spicy and refreshing ginger ale. Add some bourbon or whiskey and poof! an amazing cocktail. 

And if you buy cool bottles at Hobby Lobby, you can give the Ginger Syrup away as gifts. Just buy name labels at Target (or get fancy and design some through Avery) and personalize the bottle. 

And don't forget to add a recipe for Ginger Ale:

Don't worry, I didn't forget about the recipe for the Ginger Syrup. Enjoy! 

Ginger Syrup adapted from Joy the Baker and Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

2 cups of fresh peeled ginger, cut into small rounds

2 cups of granulated sugar

6 cups of water

Directions:

1. Put ginger, sugar and water into a large pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for an hour to an hour and a half or until the liquid reduces to half the original amount. The finished syrup should be glossy and silky. 

2. Pour through a fine mesh strainer and let cool before refrigerating. Can refrigerate for 1 month.