20(ish)--- Ginger, Basil, Lime Soda Water

Still trying to kick that soda habit?  Try making your own.  You will use less sweetener, and none of the other bad-for-you-stuff.  

This combo feels like a cocktail- sans the booze.  Hooray for nursing women everywhere!

HOWEVER the ginger simple syrup is going to be the perfect complement to a new cocktail..... stay tuned.

Ginger, Basil, Lime Soda Water

GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP (makes enough for 8 sodas)
2 cups water
1 cup raw sugar
6" fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

SODA (ingredients are per each soda)
2 fresh basil leaves
1/4 fresh lime
~12 oz club soda

For simple syrup: Whisk sugar into water in a saucepan.  Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to set, covered for 30 minutes.  Strain out the ginger and cool in refrigerator until ready to use.

For soda:  In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle basil leaves.  Squeeze lime juice into the shaker, then add in the wedge.  Add 4 Tbsp ginger simple syrup.  Shake well.

Fill a 12 oz glass 1/3 full with ice cubes, then add in (strained) contents of the cocktail shaker.  Fill remaining glass with club soda.  Stir and serve, garnished with fresh basil and a lime wedge if desired.

Nutrition Info per 1 soda: 90 calories, 22 g carbohydrates