Three Ingredient Ginger and Lemon Tonic Cocktail

Three Ingredient Ginger and Lemon Tonic Cocktail

Instead of sugary ginger ale, lean now on a combination of bittersweet tonic water and spicy ginger syrup for a more balanced drink.
Tonic water contains quinine, a compound historically used to fight malaria that also works as a very subtle muscle relaxant, and in larger doses, has been used to treat night-time muscle cramping. Medicinal properties aside, well-made tonic water is utterly delicious.  This three-ingredient tart and fizzy drink is complex, incredibly refreshing, and makes for a satisfying alternative to a Gin & Tonic.
Ingredients
1 cup tonic water
3/4 ounce Ginger Syrup, recipe follows
1/2 ounce lemon juice
Garnish: lemon slice, optional
Garnish: candied ginger slice, optional

Directions:

1. Stir together: tonic water, ginger syrup, and lemon juice in an ice-filled glass.  Skewer lemon slice and candied ginger slice on a cocktail pick 
   for garnish.

   Ginger Syrup
   Ingredients:
   3 1/2 oz. fresh Ginger
   1 cup sugar
   1 cup water

Directions:

1. Cut the ginger matchsticks. Slice a thin layer off the bottom of the ginger knob to create a flat surface. Next, cut thin slices of ginger, lay them flat, and cut them lengthwise to create matchsticks.

   Combine ginger, sugar, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring once or twice, until thick and glazy, about 20 minutes.

   Strain syrup, and discard solids; let syrup cool completely, about 30 minutes. Store syrup in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

2. 2.