Icy Lemon-Ginger Vodka Cocktails |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 240 Minutes |
Ready In: 260 Minutes Servings: 2 |
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These slushy, potent cocktails are easy to make in batches. They're also ideal for parties because most of the preparation can be done in advance. Ingredients:
3 inches piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced |
2 cups water |
1 1/2 cups sugar |
1 lemon, zest of, finely grated |
1 cup fresh lemon juice |
8 cups crushed ice |
2 cups vodka |
8 mint sprigs, for garnish |
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced ginger with the water and sugar and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, then let the ginger syrup cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and puree. Strain the syrup into a large, shallow glass dish. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Cover and freeze the lemon-ginger syrup until firm, at least 4 hours. 2. Let the frozen lemon-ginger mixture stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Chop the mixture into large pieces. Put half of the pieces in a blender, add 4 cups of crushed ice and 1 cup of vodka and blend until slushy. Pour the vodka cocktail into 4 glasses, garnish each with a mint sprig and serve. Repeat with the remaining frozen lemon mixture, ice, vodka and mint sprigs. Serve at once. 3. MAKE AHEAD The lemon-ginger mixture can be frozen for up to 1 week. 4. NOTES 5. Cooking Club Tip: Peel ginger's thin and delicate skin by scraping down the root with a metal teaspoon. A spoon maneuvers around the nubs more easily than a pairing knife. |
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