This refreshing sparkling ginger soda—inspired by Stoney Tangawizi, a spicy ginger beer popular throughout East Africa—features plenty of lime juice and salt to balance out the sweet heat and mild burn from a heavy dose of fresh ginger. Don’t be tempted to strain the syrup early; letting the smashed ginger pieces steep in the residual heat ensures maximum fiery goodness.
What you’ll need
Medium Skillet
$50 At Amazon
Mesh Sieve
$16 At Amazon
Heatproof Measuring Cup
$26 At Amazon
Recipe information
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Makes 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Crush 8 oz. ginger, scrubbed, coarsely chopped, with a mortar and pestle or finely chop. Combine ginger, ¾ cup sugar, ¾ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and ¾ cup water in a medium skillet and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and syrup is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 15 minutes.
Step 2
Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof measuring glass; discard solids. Stir in ¼ cup fresh lime juice.
Step 3
Divide mixture among four 8–10-oz. glasses. Add ice, then top off each glass with about 6 oz. sparkling water. Garnish with lime wedges or wheels.
Do ahead: Ginger syrup (without lime juice) can be made 3 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
