Lemon Ginger Soda

YIELD

1 soda (plus 1¾ cups ginger-lemon syrup)

INGREDIENTS

Cane sugar, 1½ cups (preferably organic)
Water, ¾ cup
Fresh ginger root, ½ pound (washed and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds)
Large lemon, 1 (washed, half sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds and the other half sliced into wheels or wedges for serving)
Ice
Seltzer or sparkling water, 1 bottle (if not making your own seltzer)

EQUIPMENT

Seltzer bottle and siphon (if making your own seltzer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Blender
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Chinois or fine-mesh sieve
Cheesecloth (if using a fine-mesh sieve)
Rubber spatula
Tall glass
Spoon