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