Tip
Use a microplane to finely grate the ginger.
Havana Hurricane
Gingerette is a spicy ginger simple syrup and the secret to the easiest and most delicious homemade ginger beer. Make a big batch of this (adjust the amount of sugar and ginger to suit your tastes) and simply add seltzer water when ready to drink.
for the gingerette:
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely-grated
for the cocktail:
2 ounces dark rum
juice of 1 lime
1 ounce gingerette
seltzer water
1 lime slice or wedge, to garnish
1. To make the gingerette, combine water, granulated sugar, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce and simmer, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. When the sugar is completely dissolved, turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and infuse for at least 1 hour at room temperature before straining.
2. To make the cocktail, combine the rum, lime juice, and gingerette in the bottom of a highball glass or tumbler with ice. Stir well to combine, then top off with seltzer water.