How to prepare a ginger lime drink mixer? I am trying to prepare a ginger lime (basil) drink mixer.  It will be mixed with Whiskey the day of the event.  

Is it better to prepare a limeade via steeping or a syrup via cooking?  Will the acid in the limes dissolve the ginger and basil over time (i.e. would it ruin the appearance / would I be able to filter them out)?  

Will either of them last two weeks until the event?  I plan to keep them in a sealed jar in the fridge.  Does anyone have any advice on proportions?
Not sure whether you will have a bartender or not but as a former Bartender here is how I would approach it.  You'll have to experiment in advance for the flavor you are trying to achieve.  Since everything you are working with is sharp I would make a ginger simple syrup. 1/2 water 1/2 household sugar and probably about a tablespoon of fresh grated ginger. Heat until all the sugar is melted and then let it steep until you are are happy with the ginger flavor. bottle it and keep it in the refrigerator.

I would start with:


1/4 oz ginger syrup
1 oz Whiskey
splash of fresh lime juice
garnish with a bruised basil leaf.


and adjust the measures until you get what you are looking for.

If you are looking for something sparkling try:


1 oz whiskey
2 oz ginger ale
1/2 oz Rose's Lime juice


with the same garnish.