Backporch Lemonade

Can anyone believe that this weekend is Labor Day weekend?  The unofficial end of summer?!  That probably means we need to make one last batch of our summer beverage of choice: Back Porch Lemonade.  Andy has perfected making this sweet and tangy cocktail, and I'm sharing his adaptation below.

Picture from Our Wedding Weekend... think I've shared it before, oh well!

I guess up next is a quest to find the perfect fall/winter cocktail.

Back Porch / Rooftop Lemonade
adapted from The Art of Bar by Jeff Hollinger and Rob Schwartz

Ginger Syrup
3 tsp peppercorn
3/4 cup fresh ginger
3 cups sugar
4 1/2 cups water

Peel and slice the ginger. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Continue simmering for 30-40 minutes or until syrup smells very gingery. Cool completely and strain. The syrup should reduce down to about 30-32 oz.

Premix
2 parts Ginger Syrup
2 parts Fresh Lemon Juice (Not Lemonade)
1 part Cranberry Juice

Mix the above ingredients into a pitcher or a jug. Best to let sit overnight or to freeze.

Back Porch/Rooftop Lemonade
4-5 oz of Premix
1 shot (1.5 oz) Vodka
Splash (1-2 oz) Ginger Ale

Mix over ice and serve! The less Ginger Ale, the more bite!