SERVES 1
Skill Level: EASY
Cook Time: 25 mins.
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cost: $
Inactive Prep Time: 2 – 12 hrs.
I love tartness, the really good pucker that you get from lemons, limes, rhubarb, and cranberries. Since I am not an alcohol drinker, I came up with a signature “mocktail” for my catering business. Tart cranberry, floral spicy ginger, bitter fruity cranberries in simple syrup, and ripe sweet strawberries are a killer combination. Make this for the nondrinkers in your crowd. Drinkers, feel free to add your favorite clear booze.
FOR THE GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP:
3/4 cup ginger, grated
2 cups granulated sugar, plus more for coating the cranberries
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup whole cranberries, plus extra for garnish
FOR THE CRANBERRY SODA:
2 ounces ginger simple syrup
2 ounces cranberry juice
(optional)
Juice of 1 lime
2 ounces sparkling water
TO MAKE THE GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP:
1. Place the ginger, sugar, and water in a small pot.
2. Place on medium heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves, about 10 minutes, and add the cranberries.
3. Remove from the heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the cranberries and cool completely. The syrup will be slightly pink.
4. Roll the cranberries in sugar. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze for about 2 hours and up to overnight.
TO MAKE THE CRANBERRY SODA:
5. Combine all the ingredients and garnish with 4–5 cranberries. Serve over ice.
