Note: You can make a gimlet with either vodka or gin and serve it straight up or on the rocks, with or without a sugar rim on the glass. To sugar the rim of a glass, run a small wedge of lime around the rim and place the glass upside down on a small plate of sugar. Turn the glass upright, shake off any extra sugar and fill.

For each gimlet:

Ice cubes
2 oz. (1/4-cup) vodka or gin
2 Tbs. Ginger-Infused Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
2 Tbs. freshly squeezed lime juice

Fill a cocktail mixing beaker with ice cubes, add remaining ingredients and stir well. Serve on the rocks or strained and garnish with a piece of candied ginger and a wedge of lime if desired.

Timesaver: Substitute presweetened lime juice for the simple syrup and fresh juice.

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
one 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch slices

Steps:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
   
2. Continue to cook until the mixture has thickened slightly, about six to eight minutes. Do not boil.
   
3. Remove from the heat and let cool.
   
4. Strain to remove the ginger pieces.
   
5. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Next: White Peach Bellinis