Cooking Lesson #985: The Ginger-Lemon Elixir

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? If you’re not doing all that well today, try shaking up this soothing cocktail with ginger simple syrup, lemon and vodka to improve your condition.
 
Whenever I feel like I’m coming down with something or I’ve had a bit too much of something, I turn to my magic elixir of lemon, ginger and, of course, vodka, which I swear cures whatever ails me. Those flavors work for so much more than sick days though. I like combining them with vodka to transform it into a soothing cocktail that has become my ideal cold weather companion.
 
My Ginger-Lemon Elixir starts with homemade ginger simple syrup, made by infusing sugar and water with pieces of ginger until perfumed throughout. The clean flavor of vodka lets the spiciness of the ginger simple syrup and the tartness of the lemon shine through. And a dash of Angostura Bitters adds depth to round it out. It’s truly great anytime. Whether you’re enjoying one on a cozy winter night or during a late afternoon summer tailgate, this cocktail never disappoints.
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Cook time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients 
For the ginger simple syrup (makes 2/3 cup ginger simple syrup)
1 (2-inch) piece ginger (at least 1-inch wide)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup bottle or filtered water
 
For the elixir cocktail
1 long strip lemon peel, for garnish
2 ounces vodka
3/4 ounce ginger simple syrup (recipe above)
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
 
Directions
To make the ginger simple syrup

1. Cut 1 (2-inch) piece of ginger lengthwise into 3 slices (no need to peel); place in a small saucepan.
2. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves.
4. Transfer to a heatproof container and let it cool.
5. Cover and refrigerate until it’s cold, preferably overnight.
6. Remove and discard the ginger before using.

To make the elixir

1. Place a coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes to chill.
2. Pour the vodka, ginger simple syrup, lemon juice and Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker.
3. Add enough ice to fill the shaker about half full. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour through a strainer into the chilled glass.
5. Twist the lemon peel directly over the cocktail’s surface to release the lemon oil, then garnish with the peel.

ChefSecret:  The ginger simple syrup can be made up to 1 month ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.

Quip of the Day:  A man walks into a bar and orders a drink. A minute later he hears, “You look amazing. Have you lost weight?” He looks around, but there’s no one nearby. Again, a minute later, he hears, “You know, you don’t look a day over 30.” Looks around again, no one but him and the bartender, so he asks, “Did you hear that?” The bartender says, “It’s the peanuts. They’re complimentary.”
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Do you have a question or comment?  Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to  Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross.

​#Cocktail #GingerLemonElixir #GingerSimpleSyrup #Ginger #Lemon #Vodka #HappyHour2025  #Cheers #Recipes2025 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
                                                                            ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2025

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