Moscow Mules with Homemade Ginger Ale

Alcohol is frowned upon in the anti-candida diet.  But if you (like us) do indulge, vodka is the way to go because it's distilled and has less sugar/yeast/gluten than wine or beer or other spirits.  That being said, what can you mix with vodka that isn't a veritable sugar-bomb?!  And, FYI, I'm not about to drink disinfectant on the rocks.

So I made a homemade ACD friendly ginger ale and made us some sort-of healthier Moscow Mules. 
YEE HAW!!!

• 3/4 cup ginger, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups water
• 2 Tbs vanilla
• 1 Tbs lemon extract
• 3/4 tsp stevia powder
• Sparkling mineral water (unflavored)

Put the ginger in the water and boil on high for 10-20 minutes until the liquid reduced to half or less.  Strain and put liquid in a jar.  Let cool in the fridge.  Add vanilla, lemon and stevia powder.  Mix with sparkling water until you get the right taste.  Store concentrate in the fridge.

To make the Moscow Mule:

• one large jigger of vodka
• 2 ice cubes
• juice from half a lime
• ginger ale
• lime rind

Put the first three in a heavy bottomed glass and top it off with ginger ale.  Garnish with lime rind.  Stir and enjoy.