Lawnmowers could be heard running all through northwest Montana today….mine included. Midweek’s summer days gave way to a transition day of a couple of thunderstorms and more showers, but today dawned clear and cool at 43F.

Who would have thought I might someday make my own ginger ale??? NOT me! But I saw this post: Sweet Savory Planet’s Ginger Soda and Ginger Candy…and it called to me. If you are a new reader, you may be unaware that I have an addiction to Vernor’s Ginger Ale…search for Vernor’s to see past posts if interested…

To date, I have made 3 batches of ginger syrup and none have disappointed.

The process is simple. Peel and slice the ginger. Add ginger, sugar and water to a pan. Bring to boil, then simmer for an hour.

Pour all through a sieve. Put the syrup in a jar. Coat the ginger with sugar and dry in the oven for crystallized ginger.

Put some syrup in a glass. Add carbonated water – I have an ISI siphon/carbonator…works like the whipped cream thingy so I carbonate my own cold, clear and chlorine free well water :)!

Ginger ale…well, Ginger soda. And it beats Vernor’s big time.

AND…

…the ginger candy – YUM!

I love ginger, I love ginger soda, I love being able to make my own ginger soda.

And this morning ???

It looked like this:

A perfect day for a ginger ale: homemade