In a saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water and boil until you have a light syrup (one thread consistency), about 5 minutes.
Add coconut, ginger, cream of tartar, almond essence and nutmeg essence.
Cook for about 10 minutes until thickened and mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Add food coloring, if using. Stir to combine.
Leave to rest for about 10 minutes until most of the residual liquid has been absorbed by the coconut.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a tablespoon, place a heaping tablespoon for each cake, flattening it a little with wet hands to form each cake.
Leave to let is set and firm up for about ½ hour.