Ask and Ye Shall Receive (totally doable too)

Recipe: Ginger Beer

Time: 10 minutes, plus at least 4 hours' steeping

12 ounces ginger, washed and roughly chopped (about 2 cups); peel if you want a lighter-colored beverage
1 bay leaf
¾ cup sugar
Juice of 1 lemon.

1. Place chopped ginger in a large bowl. Add bay leaf. Boil 10 cups water and pour it over ginger. Let mixture sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, place ¾ cup water and the sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer just until sugar has melted, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.

3. Strain ginger mixture into a pitcher or a glass jar, mix in sugar water and lemon juice. Stir and serve over ice.

Yield: About 10 cups.