Michael's Ginger & Lime Restorative

All I have to say is consider yourself warned.  The first time my lovely, lovely husband made this cocktail for me, I told him, 'Yum, I could drink this all day!'  It is fabulous and oh-so refreshing.  You can actually feel the ginger warming you up, and the lime cooling you down.  Talk about absolute perfection in a glass.  I'm fairly certain that it will cure whatever ails you.  And if not?  Well then, you'd better have another.  Just to make sure.

Blue Ginger Gimlet
serves 2

3 ounces vodka
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
2 ounces ginger syrup
lime wedge, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker (or a rather large Kerr jar, like we have), combine all the ingredients.  Add a decent amount of ice, and shake well.  Strain into martini glasses.

Ginger Syrup
makes about 3 cups, which is why we always cut it down

2 cups sugar
2 cups fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices (about 2 large 'hands' of ginger)
2 cups of water

In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar, ginger, and water over high heat.  Reduce the heat and simmer until it has reduced by half and is syrupy.  The syrup should hold the line of a plate.  Strain the mixture and reserve the syrup in the refrigerator until needed.  (Recipe from -- our latest discovery -- Ming Tsai's Simply Ming.  Episode 410.  Airs on PBS.)