Ginger Ale Recipe
Make Ginger Ale Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Syrup (makes about 1 cup)
To assemble (per 1 serving)
Method
Syrup (makes about 1 cup)
- 1
Prepare ginger
Peel the ginger with a spoon or peeler and finely grate it until you have about 3/4 cup packed grated ginger. Packing the ginger ensures robust flavor.
- 2
Combine and simmer
In a small saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and the grated ginger. Add the lemon zest if using. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- 3
Simmer to extract flavor
Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to extract the ginger's flavor into the syrup. Taste after 10 minutes — longer simmering yields stronger, spicier ginger.
- 4
Cool and strain
Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar, pressing on solids to extract liquid. Discard solids. Cool completely; refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
To assemble (per 1 serving)
- 5
Fill a tall glass with 1/2 cup ice.
- 6
Pour 1/4 cup chilled ginger syrup over the ice.
- 7
Top with 1 cup cold club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently to combine; taste and adjust: add more syrup for sweeter/stronger ginger, or more soda for milder flavor.
- 8
Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge and a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately.