Ginger Ale

1: In a 4-quart saucepan, place water, ginger, and lemon peel.

2: Bring to a boil over high heat.

3: Reduce heat and simmer at a low boil, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.

4: Add sugar, stirring constantly, and continue to boil until reduced to 3 cups (about 15 minutes).

5: Place a fine wire strainer over a large bowl.

6: Pour in ginger syrup to separate solids from liquids.

7: Allow ginger simple syrup to cool before pouring into a glass container.

8: When ready to serve, mix 1/4 cup ginger simple syrup with 1 cup cold club soda per serving and pour over ice.

9: Additional ginger syrup or sugar may be added to sweeten it to taste.