“The Cure" Is the Delicious Vodka Cocktail I'm Drinking All Month Long

Whenever I feel like I’m coming down with something, I turn to an elixir of lemon and ginger, which I swear cures whatever ails me. Those flavors work for so much more than sick days though. I like combining them with vodka to transform it into a soothing cocktail that’s my ideal cold weather companion.

Introducing: The Cure Cocktail. Ginger simple syrup, which simply involves infusing sugar and water with pieces of ginger until perfumed throughout, is the real star. The clean flavor of vodka lets the spiciness of the ginger simple syrup and the tartness of the lemon shine through. And a dash of Angostura bitters adds depth to round it out.

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect pick-me-up. This cocktail is boozy, sweet, and subtly spiced.

• It’s truly great anytime. Whether you’re enjoying one on a cozy winter night or during a late afternoon summer hang, this cocktail never disappoints.

Key Ingredients in The Cure Cocktail

• Ginger simple syrup. The cocktail starts by making a homemade ginger-infused simple syrup, which adds a subtle spiced flavor throughout.

• Lemon. Lemon juice and a lemon peel adds a bright flavor to the cocktail.

• Vodka. This liquor is known for having a clean taste that can pair with almost any ingredient.

• Bitters: Angostura bitters add depth to the cocktail.

How to Make The Cure Cocktail

1. Make the ginger simple syrup. Combine sugar, water, and ginger, and simmer until the simple syrup is infused.

2. Make the cocktail. Add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters, and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake until chilled.

3. Finish it off. Pour the cocktail into a coupe glass, and garnish with a lemon peel.

The Cure Cocktail Recipe

Shake up this soothing cocktail with ginger simple syrup, lemon, and vodka.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 5 minutes

Serves 1

Ingredients

For the ginger simple syrup (makes 2/3 cup):

• 1 (2-inch) piece ginger (at least 1-inch wide)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

For each cocktail:

• 1 long strip lemon peel, for garnish

• 2 ounces vodka

• 3/4 ounce ginger simple syrup (recipe above)

• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ice

Instructions

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Make the ginger simple syrup:

1. Cut 1 (2-inch) piece ginger lengthwise into 3 slices (no need to peel), and place in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves.

2. Transfer to a heatproof container and let cool until warm. Cover and refrigerate until cold, preferably overnight. Remove and discard the ginger before using.

Make the cocktail:

1. Place a coupe glass in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 5 minutes to chill.

2. Pour 2 ounces vodka, 3/4 ounce ginger simple syrup, 3/4 ounce lemon juice, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill the shaker about half full. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds.

3. Pour through a strainer into the chilled glass. Twist the lemon peel directly over the cocktail’s surface, then garnish with the peel.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: The ginger simple syrup can be made up to 1 month ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.

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