ginger and black pepper simple syrup

1 large ginger root (peel, thinly sliced it was ~1/4-1/3 cup)
1.25-1.5 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp black pepper

Bring ginger, water, sugar and pepper to a simmer, simmer ~30-40 mins (add extra water if it boils too much off, you should end up with about 1 cup after straining).  Let cool, strain and store.  Mix in a 1:2 ratio with alcohol

mint simple syrup

1 large bunch mint, leaves rinsed and chopped (I used the entire bunch I got at the market)
1 cup water
1 cup sugar

Bring water, sugar and mint to a simmer over medium heat.  Stir until sugar dissolves, simmer ~1-2 mins.  Let steep/cool for 30-60 mins, strain and store.

Drink:
Mixed in a 1:2 ratio of syrup to whiskey/rum