Ruby Red Gin-Gin Mules

Serves 4

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1″ knob peeled fresh ginger, sliced into coins
Ice cubes
1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
3/4 cup gin
Tonic water

1. In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, warm the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Add the ginger. Bring to a simmer and then immediately turn off the heat. Allow to steep for 10 minutes.
2. To assemble the drinks: Add a few ice cubes to each of 4 glasses and pour in 2 tablespoons of the ginger syrup. Divide the juice among the glasses and top each with 3 tablespoons of gin and a liberal splash of tonic water. Stir and serve.
   

My notes: The original recipe used blood orange juice, but I couldn’t easily get a hold of blood oranges. I think the grapefruit juice worked and still makes the drink look pretty. (Pretty is a criterion for a good cocktail, isn’t it?) Probably the most interesting thing about this recipe is the ginger-infused simple syrup. That was yummy and could be used in a variety of cocktails! Cheers!