Ingredients
2 cups sugar1 cup water1 large piece fresh gingerroot (about 3 inches), peeled and coarsely choppedCOCKTAIL:1/4 cup orange liqueur2 medium ripe peaches, peeled and halved1 bottle (750 milliliters) white wine, chilledIce cubes1 to 1-1/2 cups chilled ginger aleFresh mint leaves and peach slices, optional
Preparation
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Cool completely. Pour syrup through a strainer into a covered container; discard ginger.
Place liqueur and 1/4 cup ginger syrup in a blender. (Cover and refrigerate remaining syrup for another use.) Add peaches; cover and process until smooth.
Transfer mixture to a 2-qt. pitcher; stir in wine. Serve over ice, topping with ginger ale. If desired, serve with mint and peach slices.
