GINGER-ORANGE REFRESHER

Ginger-Orange Refresher image

"A sunset in a glass" is how your guests might describe this two-tone cocktail. With or without the spiced rum, it makes a refreshing thirst-quencher for parties any time of year.-Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

3 medium oranges
1-1/2 cups turbinado (washed raw) sugar
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup fresh mint leaves
8 slices fresh gingerroot
Crushed ice
5 ounces spiced rum, optional
1 bottle (1 liter) club soda, chilled

Steps:

Using a vegetable peeler, remove colored layer of peel from oranges in strips, leaving the white pith. Cut oranges crosswise in half; squeeze juice from oranges., In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water and orange juice; bring to a boil. Stir in mint, ginger and orange peel; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Cool syrup mixture completely., Strain syrup, discarding solids. To serve, fill 10 highball glasses halfway with ice. Add 2 ounces syrup and, if desired, 1/2 ounce rum to each glass; top with soda.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 134 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 25mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.