Hot Days and Cold Beverages!

Ok- so its the middle (almost the end!) of July and its been in the 90's and 100's here for the last couple weeks!  There is nothing I like better on a hot day than a nice, cold, icy beverage!  Some days I prefer home brewed sun tea (I'll share my "recipe" soon!), some days a glass of ice water works... but today, I wanted something "stronger"!  So- knowing I had vodka in the freezer (honestly, vodka is better "ice cold"!), I decided to make up a new drink!  I made some simple syrup (recipe included) and out of half the batch I made GINGER simple syrup (will include this recipe as well!) and then let my brain go to work!  My idea- a Lemon-Ginger Vodka-tini!  So- here are the recipes!

Enjoy! :)

Simple Syrup

1 part water

1 part granulated sugar

Combine both ingredients in a sauce pan over med-high heat until sugar is dissolved!  Remove from heat and let cool.  Store in a jar in a dark cool place!  Simple syrup is great for mixed drinks, iced coffee etc!

Ginger Simple Syrup

Make simple syrup as above, but add minced garlic and simmer for 5-10 minutes (depending on how strong you want it!), then remove from heat and let sit till cool.  Strain and store in a jar in a dark, cool place!

NOW--

Lemon-Ginger Vodka-tini

2 oz vodka

1 oz ginger simple syrup

1/2 oz lemon juice

1-2 springs mint for garnish (optional)

Mix vodka, ginger simple syrup and lemon juice in a low ball glass, stir to combine, add 1-2 ice cubes and top off with lemon sparkling water.  Garnish with mint sprig and Enjoy!!