Sparkling Ginger-Lemon Soda

• 2 ounces fresh ginger, peeled and sliced paper thin
• 2 medium lemons, preferably organic, well washed
• 13 cup honey, more to taste
• Ice cubes and mint sprigs, for serving

1. Combine ginger and 2 quarts cold water in a large pot.
2. Cut lemons in half and squeeze into pot, straining out pits.
3. Drop lemon halves into pot and bring to a boil.
4. Turn off heat, cover and let steep 30 minutes.
5. Stir in honey, then taste for sweetness, adding more to taste.
6. Strain mixture into a container and discard solids.
7. Let cool to room temperature, then chill until very cold.
8. Working in small batches, pour cold mixture into the bottle of a carbonator, filling it not more than 1/3 full (this will give the mixture room to foam).
9. Charge with CO2 until very fizzy, waiting between charges for foam to subside completely.
10. (This can take up to 2 minutes, so be patient.)
11. Very slowly, as if opening a bottle of soda, release the bottle from the carbonator.
12. Serve immediately, or cover tightly and chill.
13. (Extra soda mixture can be refrigerated for up to a week, and can be served carbonated or flat.)
14. To serve, pour over ice and top with a mint sprig.
15. If desired, add a slug of rum to each glass.

ginger, lemons, honey, mint sprigs

Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014573 (may not work)