Sparkling Honey Ginger Ale

2 cups water

1 cup peeled, chopped fresh ginger

2/3 cup honey

1 (1-liter) bottle sparkling seltzer water, chilled

Ice cubes

1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges

Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

 

Combine water and ginger in small saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in honey. Let stand until cooled to room temperature.

Strain into 1 1/2–quart pitcher. Discard ginger. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, until chilled.

Just before serving, add seltzer water and stir gently to combine. Serve over ice with lemon wedges and mint sprigs, if you like. Recipe may be doubled.