Ginger Limeade

Here's a refreshing summer drink with a ginger-y zip!

Ginger Limeade

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 3/4 cups water
• fresh ginger -- 2 oz.
• 6 - 8 limes (quantity needed will depend on size of limes and juiciness) to yield 6 oz. juice

Peel ginger -- for an extra little kick, grate and set aside about 1 teaspoon of the ginger. Mince the remaining ginger and combine with water and sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer about 5 minutes. I generally use a large (1 qt.) pyrex measuring cup and cook in the microwave, but you can use a small saucepan on the stove if you'd prefer. Let this cool while you prepare the limes.

Remove zest from a couple of the limes and set aside, then juice enough to yield 6 oz. Add the zest to the juice. If you grated any ginger, add that to the juice now too. When the gingery syrup has cooled combine it with the lime juice mixture.

For each serving, mix equal amounts of the lime mixture with water, and serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices and a sprig of mint, if desired. This quantity should serve 4 - recipe may be doubled.

Have a safe Fourth of July, everyone!