Ice Cream Float-Ginger Pistachio

By stancec44

Sure, you could use your favorite ginger ale here. But we found that we preferred this drink, which is packed with ginger flavor and is not as sweet as a store-bought ginger soda.

It’s best to chill your glass, preferably 16-ounce, in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.

You can save time by using a good-quality store-bought syrup, such as Morris Kitchen (available at Dean & DeLuca) or Ginger People Organic Ginger Syrup, available online and at some Whole Foods Markets.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces unpeeled fresh ginger root, coarsely chopped (1 cup), plus one 1-inch piece peeled fresh ginger root
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1-1/2 cups water
• For the float
• 1-1/2 cups (10 ounces) chilled plain seltzer
• 1 large or 2 small scoops pistachio gelato or ice cream

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from portlandoregonian.or.newsmemory.com

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the cup of chopped ginger, the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the mixture begins to boil, stir until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, grate the 1-inch piece of ginger into a small fine-mesh strainer set over a small bowl. Use a wooden spoon to press the ginger solids to extract as much juice as possible (at least 1 teaspoon). Discard the gratings.

Uncover the ginger syrup mixture and pour through a fine-mesh strainer set over a heatproof container. Use a wooden spoon to press the solids, extracting as much liquid from them as possible. Discard the solids. Stir in the extracted ginger juice. The yield should be about 2 cups; you’ll need 1/4 cup for this recipe. The homemade syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

For the float

Pour the 1/4 cup of syrup into a tall glass. Add the seltzer to fill up to an inch or so from the top, then stir gently with a long spoon to incorporate.

Gently add the pistachio gelato or ice cream, then add the remaining seltzer to fill the glass and create a foamy top.

Serve right away, with a straw and a long spoon.