The mocktail posted here last week was Eric’s non-alcoholic (NA) drink of choice. This week, I am posting mine. Eric’s mocktail reflected his preference for vodka and grapefruit juice cocktails. His mocktail substitutes ginger beer for the vodka. Likewise, my mocktail of choice reflects my preferences for gin & tonics with a lime twist. Ginger simple syrup and lime juice replace the gin.
Fresh ginger root is used in making the syrup that provides both sweet and spicy notes to the drink. A touch of lime juice balances out the spiciness of the ginger. Carbonation from tonic water adds a distinctive bittersweet flavor to the beverage. This is an excellent swap for my favored G&T’s!
Ginger-Lime Tonic
Ginger-Lime Tonic (inspired by a recipe from foodandwine.com) Total Time Required: 1 hour, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
Ginger Syrup (Yield: 1 cup, enough for 8 cocktails):
- 3-1/2 ounces fresh ginger, cut into matchsticks (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Ginger-Lemon Tonic (Yield: 1 drink)
- 5 ounces tonic water
- 1 ounce Ginger Syrup
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- lime wedge or slice, candied ginger slice for garnish
Directions:
For the simple syrup: cut the ginger into matchsticks, by cutting thin slices of ginger then laying them flat and cutting them lengthwise into matchsticks.
Cut the ginger into matchsticks.
Combine the cut ginger, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
Combine the ginger, sugar and water in a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring once or twice, for 20 minutes.
Bring the simple syrup mixture to a boil, then simmer the syrup.
Strain the syrup and discard the solids. Let the syrup cool completely, about 30 minutes. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Strain the syrup and allow it to cool.
For the drink: Stir together the tonic water, ginger syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail glass, half filled with ice. Garnish the drink with a lime wedge and candied ginger.
Combine the tonic water, ginger syrup and lime juice in a cocktail glass.
A crisp and refreshing option for Dry January! ~Linda
Ginger-Lime Tonic (inspired by a recipe from foodandwine.com) Total Time Required: 1 hour, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
Ginger Syrup (Yield: 1 cup, enough for 8 cocktails):
- 3-1/2 ounces fresh ginger, cut into matchsticks (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Ginger-Lemon Tonic: (Yield: 1 drink)
- 5 ounces tonic water
- 1 ounce Ginger Syrup
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- lime wedge or slice, candied ginger slice for garnish
Directions:
For the simple syrup: cut the ginger into matchsticks, by cutting thin slices of ginger then laying them flat and cutting them lengthwise into matchsticks.
Combine the cut ginger, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring once or twice, for 20 minutes.
Strain the syrup and discard the solids. Let the syrup cool completely, about 30 minutes. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
For the drink: Stir together the tonic water, ginger syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail glass, half filled with ice. Garnish the drink with a lime wedge and candied ginger.