Honey-Ginger Limeade

Sweet honey and zesty ginger add kick to basic limeade. For even more flavor, add a jalapeno pepper to the mix. Rim the edge of your glasses with brown sugar before serving this summery drink.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  cups water
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped fresh ginger
• 2  slices lime peel (3-inch strips)
• 1⁄2 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1 1⁄2 cups fresh lime juice
• 1  fresh  jalapeno pepper, seeded and thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 (1 liter) bottle sparkling water, chilled
•  ice cube
•  lime wedge
•  fresh ginger, slices

Directions

1. In a small saucepan combine 2 cups of the water and the finely chopped ginger. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lime peel. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain into a pitcher; discard solids.
2. Add brown sugar and honey to ginger liquid in pitcher, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in lime juice, jalapeno pepper (if desired), and the remaining 1 cup water. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (up to 3 days).
3. Before serving, add the reserved squeezed lime halves to pitcher. Slowly pour sparkling water into ginger liquid in pitcher; stir gently to mix. Serve in brown sugar-rimmed glasses*** over ice cubes. Garnish with lime wedges and ginger slices.
4. SERVING TIP:
5. Place brown sugar in a shallow dish. Rub a lime wedge around the edge of each glass and dip the edge into the sugar.