Ginger Bee's Knees

For the Ginger Simple Syrup

• 1 c white sugar
• 1 c water
• 4-5 inches of fresh ginger root

For the Honey Simple Syrup

• 0.25 c honey
• 1-3 tbsp water

For the Cocktail

• 2.5 oz Barr Hill Tom Cat aged gin
• 0.25 oz ginger simple syrup
• 0.25 oz honey simple syrup
• 0.25 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• Crystallized ginger for garnish
• Lemon peel for garnish

1. To make the ginger simple syrup, peel the ginger root and slice it into medallions. Combine the ginger with the water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a low boil. Cook until the mixture has reduced significantly and turned a pale golden color. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the ginger medallions and any wayward pulp.
2. To make the honey simple syrup, combine the honey and 1 tbsp water in a saucepan. Heat until the honey has fully dissolved. You may need to add some additional water, depending on the texture of the honey (note that natural, crystalline honey will require more water to dissolve).
3. Allow the simple syrups to chill for at least several hours. They can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for weeks.
4. To make the cocktail, combine the aged gin, ginger simple syrup, honey simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, taste, and adjust as you see fit; you can add more simple syrup for additional sweetness or more lemon juice for additional acidity.
5. Strain into a small serving glass with ice, then garnish with a piece of crystallized ginger and lemon peel.