Chingal0

Gingered Gin and Tonic

1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger

2 cups tonic water
1 cup gin
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
24 ice cubes

Combine first 3 ingredients in heavy small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil until reduced to 1 1/3 cups, about 3 minutes. Cool syrup; then strain. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover; chill.)

Mix tonic water, gin, lime juice and 1/2 cup ginger syrup in glass measuring cup. Taste, adding more syrup, if desired (reserve remaining syrup for another use). Divide ice among 4 tall glasses. Pour gin-and-tonic mixture over. Garnish with fresh ginger slices and lime wedges, if desired.


Makes 4 drinks.

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