GINGER FIZZ SYRUP FOR A REFRESHING SUMMER DRINK

Another fabulous Peter Reinhart creation--refreshing and unusual. The perfect non-alcoholic summertime drink. The flavor of the honey you chose will change the flavor of the fizz, so try different types till you find the one you love.

 

 

Makes 12-15 Servings
5-1/2 Cups Water
1/2 # Fresh Ginger (unpeeled and sliced 1/4" thick)
2-1/4 Cups Honey
1/4 Cup fresh Lemon Juice, strained
1/4 Cup fresh Lime Juice, strained
Cold Seltzer, club soda, or carbonated water.

Place glass mugs into the freezer to get them really cold.
Bring water to a boil in a 2 quart saucepan.  Toss in the sliced ginger and cover the pot. Simmer 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and add the honey.  Allow the ginger-honey mixture to steep for another 15 minutes uncovered.
Stir to incorporate the honey (in case any has settled to the bottom of the pan)
Strain out the ginger.  Add the lemon and lime juice and stir to combine. Let this syrup cool, then refrigerate until ice cold.*
To make the soda, fill the iced mugs with 4 ounces of cold seltzer, club soda, or carbonated water.  Add 4 ounces of cold Ginger Fizz Syrup and stir gently.  You may add ice but it will weaken the carbonation. That's why I recommend chilling the mugs in the freezer.

*I used an "ice bath" by filling a large bowl with ice and water and setting the bowl with the syrup in it to cool before putting it into the refrigerator.
.