Ginger Mule

While I was pregnant, I made it my mission to find a mocktail that didn't taste like a kid's drink. I would tell bartenders "make me something that tastes like it has alcohol in it." Most looked at me like I was a crazy, pitiful person. Not until I had a good ginger mule did I feel satisfied. It doesn't take much, just some fresh ginger juice and some basics, and you have a non-alcoholic cocktail that actually has some strength to it. Something you can sip rather than suck down in two seconds. Even better? It easily turns into a real cocktail with some gin. Now that my child is on the outside, I can make this for Thanksgiving with the hard stuff! For holiday parties, it's nice to have something that works for everyone.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:1/2 oz fresh ginger juice (I used a juicer but you can also make it using a blender or buy it premade)1 oz simple syrup1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice1 oz gin (or not, if you're mocktailing it)club sodafresh mint (a few leaves)to garnish: lime wedge + candied ginger + another mint leaf or two

MAKE IT:Combine all ingredients except the club soda in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a cup, then top with club soda. Garnish with lime wedge, candied ginger, and a mint leaf.