Ginger-Lemongrass Soda

Mocktails, zero-proof cocktails, non alcoholic drinks, or whatever else you might choose to call them, booze-free beverages have taken over the drinks space over the past few years. While we’re big fans of high-quality, creative alternatives to cocktails, these drinks are often had instead of cocktails for special dinners in, or ordered at a bar on a night out. We think you should take the same care in crafting a booze-free beverage anytime of day, and your lunchtime drink of choice could use a facelift. Don’t worry, we’ve got just the thing: a refreshing Ginger-Lemongrass Soda. 

While making this drink will take a bit of advance planning, (you'll notice that the lemongrass and ginger syrup needs ample time to steep and cool), the recipe yields a big batch that can last you for a full week. Homemade syrups are a key part of a bartender's arsenal, and it's likely you’d find dozens of flavors behind the bar at any cocktail lounge. Infusing aromatic ingredients into simple syrup, a blend of sugar and water which gets heated until the sugar dissolves, is an easy way to add depth and complexity to any drink. This refreshing soda leans on a syrup made with herbaceous lemongrass and ever-so-slightly spicy ginger to balance out tart lemon. 

While ginger and lemon bring fresh flavors to this bubbly beverage, the real star of the show is lemongrass. Lemongrass is a tall grass whose woody stalk carries a fresh citrus and herbaceous aroma and flavor. Smashing the tough lemongrass stalk with a flat object like the side of a cleaver will help release all of its goodness. To make the syrup, steep crushed lemongrass and sliced ginger in a simple syrup. Be sure to cool the syrup to room before adding the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and top with club soda when you’re ready to serve –– adding club soda right at the end will help keep this delicious soda light and bubbly.