Easy Ginger Beer

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the ginger, sugar, allspice, cloves spices, and crystallized ginger, and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
2. 2
   Bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Remove from the heat, cover and let steep for 45 minutes.
4. 4
   Prepare a large bowl set over an ice bath.
5. 5
   Strain the ginger syrup into the bowl, pressing out all the liquid from the ginger.
6. 6
   Cool to room temperature.
7. 7
   Just before serving, stir together the ginger syrup and seltzer in a pitcher.
8. 8
   Add the lime juice if desired.
9. 9
   Serve over ice.