Fresh Lemongrass Ginger Ale
The original recipe includes chilli and is non-alcoholic. Its hot out and didn't feel like more heat, so I left out the chilli. I also added a splash of gin to each glass. Gin has an herbally, citrusy quality that goes really well with lemongrass and ginger.
Servings 1 quart, about 10 glasses
- 1.5 pounds fresh ginger, cut into thin strips (don’t bother peeling)
- 3 stalks lemongrass, outer leaves discarded and bottom 6” roughly chopped into 1/2" sections
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 quarts water
- soda water
- gin (optional)
- lime wedges
Throw the ginger and lemongrass into a food processor and process until it becomes a consistency of a thick puree. You’ll have to stop the machine and scrape down the sides a couple of times.
In a saucepan over high heat,, add 1 1/4 quarts of water, lemongrass/ginger and the sugar. Boil and immediately turn heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered. Strain with a couple layers of cheesecloth. Chill in fridge as long as you can wait.
To serve, fill a tall glass with ice. Add a ¼ cup of syrup in the glass. Top with soda water and or gin. A quick squeeze of lime, sip and pretend you’re on vacation.