This cross between a fizz and a float — a new take on an old-fashioned treat is lovely warm-weather refreshment.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
6 cups (about) chilled sparkling water
1 1/2 pints (about) vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
Lime slices (optional)
Fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Directions
Combine sugar, lime juice, chopped mint and ginger in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and syrup comes to simmer. Simmer syrup 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Strain syrup into small bowl, pressing lightly on solids; discard solids. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Pour 3 tablespoons syrup, then 3/4 cup sparkling water into each of 6 tall glasses. Stir to blend. Mix in additional syrup or sparkling water to taste. Top each with 1 scoop vanilla ice cream. Garnish sodas with lime slices and mint sprigs, if desired, and serve.
