HOMEMADE GINGER ALE

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 8 cups club soda, chilled

Directions

1. To prepare syrup, combine ginger, sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
3. Strain syrup through a sieve into a bowl, pressing on ginger to extract as much liquid as possible; discard ginger. Stir in vanilla. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
4. To prepare ginger ale, combine syrup and club soda in a large pitcher. Serve immediately.