Summer Starter

Depending on where you live, this may or may not be true, but—for the southern part of the US at least—Memorial Day always rings in the start of the summer season. It’s officially safe to put away your sweaters, stash the slow cooker in a cabinet and break out the sunscreen, SPF 1,000 for me please.

If you don’t have a signature summer cocktail, may I suggest making this sweet and refreshingly tart beverage your drink of choice? The acidity of the lemons, sweetness of the sugar and subtle, spicy heat of the ginger make it a real winner. The vodka is optional of course, but I think a little booze goes a long way toward easing the pain of knowing that, as adults, we’re no beginning the greatest three months of our year. Bottoms up!

Ginger Vodka Lemonade
Makes 1 gallon

8 lemons, juiced
2/3 c. white sugar
2 c. water
2-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
1 c. vodka (start there, add more to your liking)
ice cubes

In a 1 gallon pitcher, juice the lemons.

In a small sauce pan, combine the sugar, water and ginger slices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Once the simple syrup is cooled, strain into the pitcher with the lemon juice and stir to combine. Fill the pitcher three quarters full with water, then add the cup of vodka. Stir and taste. Add more water if necessary and add additional vodka to taste. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour lemonade over.