Ginger is one of those epic all-around healing foods that I can't get enough of.  It adds brightness and spice to everything from a good Asian stir-fry to my morning quinoa.  This time of year I absolutely love it as an ingredient in the sunny warm-weather cocktails & mocktails that become so appealing after a day spent outdoors.  You can also mix it with sparkling water to make a light, refreshing soda.  In either case, my ginger simple syrup is an ingredient I like to keep on hand for those impromptu fancy drinks that feel like summer in a glass.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1/4-inch by 1-inch chunk of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly

To make the simple syrup, bring water and ginger to a boil. Stir in sugar until fully dissolved.  Reduce heat.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool completely.  Strain out ginger and pour syrup into a mason jar.  Store in fridge for about one week.  Make approximately 1 cup of syrup.