Icy Lemon Ginger Cocktails

This is one of the tastiest frozen drinks I've had in a long time. It takes a little planning ahead and a little extra effort, but it is really worth it.


Originally, a recipe from Tyler Florence, but I found it here: http://mytastytreasures.blogspot.com/

ICY LEMON-GINGER COCKTAILS

4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
finely grated zest of one lemon
1 cup fresh lemon juice
8 cups crushed ice
2 cups vodka


In a small saucepan, combine the ginger with the water and sugar and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, then let the ginger syrup cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and puree. Strain the syrup into a shallow glass dish (about 9 x 9 square). Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Cover and freeze the lemon-ginger syrup until firm, about 4 hours.

Let the frozen lemon-ginger mixture stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Chop the mixture into large pieces. Put half the pieces in a blender. Add 4 cups crushed ice and 1 cup vodka. Blend until slushy. Serve. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Yield: Makes about 6 drinks if you use tall glasses.

Note: The lemon-ginger mixture can be frozen for up to 1 week.