garlic lemonade

I try to make it a habit to add recipes here after I've been asked for them a couple of times. Under that rule, this one is long overdue.

I know, garlic lemonade? Sounds like something you might not want?
Well, I apologize for my bluntness here, but you are wrong.
Garlic Lemonade is just about the best thing if you are sick, getting sick, or feeling paranoid about getting sick. Garlic lemonade is also very perfect if you are healthy.
This recipe was passed on to me by my very good friend Jen. Jen is a marvelous woman with very accurate and evolved taste buds, but I have to say, when she suggested it, I was taken aback.
"Jen is a garlic farmer," I said to myself, "of course she would turn the stuff into a beverage."
"Jen eats more greens than I do. Jen is a vegetarian." I continued to talk myself out of this mysterious drink.
Luckily, I tend to go against my instincts every so often.
We all know that garlic is a magical plant. It is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. It is an immune booster and a culinary necessity. And don't even get me started on the flowers.
So make yourself a pot of this. You'll be drinking it all day. It's good hot, good cold, and your kids will even drink it, if you add extra honey.

Garlic Lemonade

2 quarts water
8-10 garlic cloves, whole and peeled
the juice of one lemon
honey to taste (I use about 2 Tablespoons for 2 quarts)
optional: a chunk of peeled ginger

Combine the water and the garlic (and ginger, if using) in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for one hour. Remove from heat. Add the lemon and the honey. Enjoy. (and you will, I promise)