This drink takes your taste buds in several directions at once.
2 tablespoons Simple syrup; – or Splenda syrup
2 slices Ginger root; – Fresh, thin sliced
1/2 small Serrano chile; – ripe, red
1/2 medium Lime
1 piece Candied Ginger
8 ounces Soda Water; – Lemon-lime flavored if available
PREP WORK: This can be done ahead of time, and in quantity, if desired.
Finely dice the ginger root and let it soak in the symile syrup for a few minutes. Cut a few thin slices of the serrano chile saving the top & stem for a garnish. Cut two or three thin slices of the lime. On a decorated toothpick or drink umbrella skewer a piece of candied ginger and the top of the chile pepper. Add a small wedge of lime if desired.
MAKE AND SERVE:
Fill a tall (12 ounce) glass with crushed ide about 1/2 way. Slide a slice of lime and a couple of slices of chile pepper down the side and hold in place with more crushed ice. Fill the ice to near the top of the glass. Add the simple syrup, squeeze in an extra twist of lime, and fill the glass with soda. Decorate with the skewered ginger and chile.
Allow the glass to chill for a few moments before serving. The longer the chilies sit in the drink the “hotter” the after-taste becomes.
VARIATIONS:
Use Lemon-Lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up) for a sweeter taste. I use the Splenda syrup and Diet Sprite to make my version more Diabetic friendly. I make up a couple of cups of syrup with Splenda and hot water (equal quantities) and dice the ginger into the batch. Then it is stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Some folks like to put a bit of grenadine syrup in the bottom of the glass by pouring it down a straw. That gives you a layer of red color at the bottom of the glass. Don’t stir or the whole drink will turn pink. Others like to use a splash of Campari or other bright colored liqueur in place of the grenadine.
A splash of white rum make this drink an “Adult” version if desired.