Gingered Lemon Punch

Make the ice cubes the day before

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1. Combine the lemon juice and water and freeze overnight in an ice cube tray.

For the ginger lemon syrup and putting it together

• 1 cup peeled thinly sliced fresh ginger
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 12 ounces of your favorite vodka or lemon infused vodka, chilled
• 1 liter chilled sparkling seltzer
• The ice cubes
• Thinly sliced lemons for garnish

1. Combine the ginger, granulated sugar, brown sugar and water in a medium sauce pan, bring to a boil and then simmer until reduced to 2 cups. This should take 20 to 25 minutes or so. Strain , add the vanilla and cool. Once cooled, stir in the lemon juice and chill.
2. In a punch bowl (or similar vessel), combine the syrup, seltzer and vodka. Add the ice cubes and garnish with a few lemon slices.