Strain the syrup through a fine sieve, let cool, and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator up to two months.

5. Ginger Ale

"Once you taste a real, freshly made ginger ale, you'll never be able to go back to the canned variety. The thick sugar syrup (it's a basic simple syrup with equal quantities of sugar and water) will last a long time refrigerated. It's very fragrant with a 'bite' to it. It's takes just a minute to pour a small amount in a glass and thin it with sparkling water for a refreshing, bubbly drink. No preservatives, no coloring, just the goodness of ginger!"

1/4 cup ginger syrup

1 cup sparkling water

Ice

Lime wedges

Pour syrup over ice cubes in a tall glass, add the sparkling water and a squeezed wedge of lime. Stir. (You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup in proportion to the sparkling water.)