The History. The Recipe.

While attending university, I worked in the lounge at a local ski hill.  One day, a little snowboarder about the age of nine came up to the bar and asked for a "ninjarale".  Adorable.  I poured him his gingerale and thought nothing more of it.

A few days later, one of my coworkers started to get sick to her stomach during the middle of her shift.  I thought to myself, What soothes an upset stomach? ... peppermint ... ginger... Oh my god!  Ninjarale!!

Through an accidental comment, some knowledge of gastronomy, and a little scientific experimental, a drink was born.  I imagine a modern day warrior throwing together this tonic before heading off to the day's battle. 

For you compassionate co-workers, urban alchemists, and super parents, here's the recipe:

1. Steep one tea bag of peppermint tea. I recommend rinsing the tea bag first or by the time you pour water over it, the resulting brew will be over steeped.

2. Cool the tea. If you need the ninjarale pronto, steep a stronger cup of tea and then pour it over ice to cool and dilute.

3. Fill a glass of ice half full with the peppermint tea and then top with gingerale.  It's best to get the gingerale mixing with the tea in the bottom of the class rather than vice versa.

4. Drink up.  Although I love sipping a cool drink through a straw, I recommend getting your right in the glass for ninjarale.  It has all the efforvescence of gingerale but each bubble that bursts at the top of the glass delivers a blast of peppermint right into your nose.  It's awesome (in the literal sense; you will be in some kind of awe).