GINGER-PEACH SODA

Ginger-Peach Soda image

Provided by Marcy Masumoto

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ginger Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, the thickness of a thumb, peeled and minced
1 soft to gushy peach, halved, pitted, and thinly sliced
Ice cubes, for serving
Soda water, to fill
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

To make the syrup, in a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and ginger over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat, cover, and steep at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger, pressing all the flavor out of the ginger with the back of a spoon against the sieve. Transfer to a jar or other storage container, cover, and refrigerate until well chilled.
Evenly distribute the peach slices among the glasses. Carefully smash the peaches with the end of a wooden spoon to release their juice. Pour about 2 tablespoons chilled syrup over the peaches in each glass. (The remaining syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.) Add ice cubes and then top off each glass with soda water. Mix each drink with a straw or spoon to distribute the syrup, peach juices, and peach bits evenly. Float a few mint leaves on each serving, then serve immediately (especially on really hot days).