Ginger Spritz Food

POMEGRANATE GINGER SPRITZER

Steps:

• Place ginger and lime slices in a pitcher; stir in pomegranate and orange juices. Refrigerate overnight. , Just before serving, strain and discard ginger and lime. Stir club soda into juice mixture. Garnish as desired.

SALTED LEMON-GINGER SPRITZER

Steps:

• Place the lemon and salt in a large wine glass and using the back of a spoon, lightly muddle to break up and release some of the oils and juices. Add lemon juice and ginger (if using) and top with lots of ice and ginger beer. Garnish with lemon wedge or fresh ginger.

POMEGRANATE-GINGER SPRITZER

Steps:

• For the grenadine syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the pomegranate juice and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let cool. (Makes about 3/4 cup; extra syrup can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.)
• For the spritzer: Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup in a rocks glass and mix until combined. Fill with crushed ice. Add the ginger ale, drop in a lime slice and serve.

GINGER SPRITZ

Steps:

• For the ginger vodka: Place the ginger in an airtight container. Add a few ounces of the vodka and muddle for several minutes. Add the rest of the vodka, cover and let sit for at least 24 hours, muddling the ginger again every few hours. (Makes 18 ounces.)
• For the ginger simple syrup: Heat the sugar and water in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. When the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes, stir in the ginger and remove from heat. Let the ginger steep until the syrup is completely cool. Remove the ginger and transfer the syrup to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Makes about 12 ounces.)
• For the ginger spritz: Pour 4 ounces ginger vodka, 2 ounces ginger simple syrup and the lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Add ice, cover, and shake until fully chilled.
• Strain into two glasses and top each with 2 ounces club soda. Garnish with the candied ginger skewers.

GINGERBREAD SPRITZ

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. , Using a cookie press fitted with the disk of your choice, press dough 1 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar or jimmies. , Bake at 400° until set (do not brown), 6-8 minutes. Remove to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.