Spicy, sweet, bubbly, and fresh. Both my weekend with friends and family and the homemade Ginger Ale I made.
To accompany a meal of this scrumptious dish (a yummy and easy recipe to feed a crowd---highly recommended!), I made a batch of homemade Ginger Ale. What a refreshing treat! I am quite addicted to this store-bought version, but making my own was a treat for my taste buds and my penchant for homemade.
This recipe makes a ginger syrup that is easily stored in the refrigerator to whip up a Ginger Ale whenever the mood strikes. I didn't measure the amount of syrup per beverage but I estimate this recipe to make 10 servings.
Homemade Ginger Ale
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2 C. rough chopped fresh ginger (about 3 large pieces)
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1 1/2 C. sugar
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2 C. water
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large bottle of sparkling water
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fresh limes (each beverage requires one half)
To make the Ginger Syrup Mix: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the water and ginger pieces until barely simmering. Simmer for five minutes, turn off heat, cover and let steep for one hour. Drain the ginger water over a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup. Discard the ginger pieces. Pour the mixture back into the same saucepan, add the sugar and gently heat this mixture until the sugar dissolves. Let cool and store this Ginger Syrup in the refrigerator.
To make a Ginger Ale: In each tall glass, add ice, 2 parts ginger syrup, 1 part fresh-squeezed lime juice, 3 parts sparkling water. Stir and taste. Adjust amounts to your liking. Cheers--- Let me know if you make some!
Variations: I might be tempted to peel and slice a couple pieces of fresh ginger to add to each glass to up the spice of ginger. A garnish of a lime wedge or even a mint leaf is a nice touch. This would also make a wonderful 'grown-up' drink with a splash of spicy rum!
