Homemade Ginger Ale and a Cocktail recipe for my Gastronomic Wednesday

I told you last week about the importance of using freshly squeezed juice when making a cocktail. This week, I am going further and I propose you make your own ginger ale. Do not worry; it is simpler than it sounds.

Creating a homemade ginger ale starts by making a ginger syrup. You add either seltzer done with the old-fashioned bottle process, soda water or mineral water to produce a home version of a ginger soda pop. Beware that it will not replicate the taste of the commercial ginger ale. In fact, you can plan a tasting session at your party to see which ones your friends prefer.

Making your own ginger ale is not a new idea; it is just that it is now fashionable with bars in the United States charging $6-$7 for a glass, from what I read on the New York Times. There is a recipe on the NY Times. But to give you options, I scoured three recipes that seem worthy of a trial. I am curious to know which one you prefer.

• Homemade Ginger Ale by Swissman on Chow
• happy hour: homemade ginger ale by EatMakeRead
• Mr Peacock’s Homemade Ginger Ale

Serving ginger ale is handy at a party; it used to balance many cocktails. For people who do not drink, the custom is to fill their Champagne flute with ginger ale at formal events. Keeping with that spirit, I propose you a summer cocktail recipe where you can simply omit the gin and get a non-alcoholic beverage.

Ginger Ale, Mint and Gin – Drink Recipe from Bombay Sapphire

1. Squeeze 6 mint leaves between your hands to release their flavors. Avoid option is to lightly mash the leaves inside a highball glass.
2. Pour 1 1/2 ounces of your favorite gin and 3 oz of ginger ale
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
4. Mix well to infuse the drink with the mint flavor
5. Garnish with a mint sprig

This is a really refreshing drink; it is perfect to enjoy on a sunny terrace.

MORE:
+ images from EatMakeRead and Mr. Peacock
+ Ginger Ale Without the Can by Micheline Maynard for the NY Times