Ginger Syrup With Variations - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Ginger Simple Syrup
1 cup water
2 cups granulated sugar (can sub Splenda)
1/2 - 3/4 cup peeled and thinly sliced ginger (or more for stronger flavor)
Optional Addition 1
2 tablespoons cloves plus 1 cinnamon sticks
Optional Addition 2
1 split vanilla bean
Optional Addition 3
1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
Optional Addition 4
1 bunch mint

Preparation

Bring water, sugar, ginger and optional ingredients 1, 2 or 3, if using, to a boil in a 2-quart non-reactive saucepan, then stir until sugar is dissolved. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes. Pour ginger syrup through a sieve into a bowl, discarding ginger. Chill.
For Ginger-Mint (Option 4): Bring water, sugar and mint to a boil in a 2-quart non-reactive saucepan, then stir until sugar is dissolved. Simmer about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes. Pour ginger syrup through a sieve into a bowl, discarding ginger and mint. Chill.