Homemade Ginger Simple Syrup is one of my favorites to make. It adds extra flavor to cocktails like the Hot Toddy (in place of the traditional honey). And to settle an unhappy tummy or just a non-boozy treat, just add a couple dashes of Old Fashioned Bitters, a splash of Ginger Simple Syrup and too sparkling water for a light root beer flavor. 
Makes 16 oz
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 inch piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 whole star anise
- 1 tablespoons whole cloves
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Use the back of a large knife to crack the spices and “wake” them.
STEP 2
Place water and sugar in a saucepan over medium high heat. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolve completely, and turns clear. Do not let simmer or boil.
STEP 3
Add ginger and spices, then remove from heat. Let the spices steep until cool.
STEP 4
Pour the syrup through a strainer to remove all spices.
STEP 5
Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge up to 10 days.