Fresh ginger is essential for a delicious ginger mocktail. Look for pieces with a brown outer layer and a yellow to tan inner flesh. The outside, including where it’s been cut, may look dull. However, its beautiful color is hidden inside.  Ginger is at its best when firm and taut with a bright inner flesh. Look for pieces that have minimal dry spots. If the ginger is looking shrivelled, dried out or has soft spots, it’s a sign that it’s past its prime.