Infuse a ginger simple syrup for cocktails

Ginger is also an excellent addition to drinks. Keep a ginger simple syrup on hand to improve your favorite hot toddy recipe — or stick to non-alcoholic iced tea or lemonade. As the name suggests, simple syrup is manufactured from two basic ingredients: sugar and water. Over low heat, combine the sugar and water in a one-to-one ratio until the sugar dissolves. When the combination has cooled, it becomes thick and is ready to be used in your favorite beverage.

To infuse ginger into the syrup, chop peeled ginger into discs and put them into the heating water. Then, drain the mixture to remove the ginger pieces and place them in the refrigerator. A batch of simple syrup may be stored in the refrigerator for approximately a month in a tightly sealed container. For extended storage, add a tablespoon of vodka or grain alcohol to each cup of simple syrup.