Land of the free; Home of the Bourbon

Instead of trying to find some cutesy red, white, & blue cocktail to suggest for the upcoming July 4th holiday (which generally involves blue curacao - blech!), I thought we'd really celebrate the essence of the American spirit - Bourbon!  (Cue angels singing...or banjos picking, whichever you prefer). 

I have just finished reading a book detailing the history of bourbon,  the ultimate American spirit.  (It's written by Dane Hucklebridge and is available on Amazon and local book retailers).  Bourbon is truly a spirit that we, as Americans, can call our own.  Federal rules require bourbon made for US consumption must be made in the US and only under certain standards.  Whiskey production in the U.S. has been around since George Washington's time.  In fact, Washington had a distillery near his home at Mount Vernon.  However, bourbon as we know it didn't come into being until the late 19th century.

Therefore, I thought it only appropriate to share a refreshing summer cocktail showcasing bourbon.  It's a recipe by well-known chef, Bobby Flay (whose wife is from Texas so I guess we'll consider her a Southerner....somewhat).  Plus, we need to drown our sorrows after the U.S. loss in the World Cup yesterday. 

SPARKING BOURBON LEMONADE

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 large lemons)
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (1 large orange)
• 4 cups club soda, chilled
• Lemon slices (about 4 large lemons)
• Orange slices (1 large orange)
• 1 bunch fresh mint sprigs, plus more for garnish
• Crushed ice

  Directions

  Combine 1 1/2 cups water and sugar in a small saucepan over high heat. Cook until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Cool the simply syrup completely. This simple syrup can be made 1 week in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. (In fact, I highly recommend keeping simple syrup on hand at all times - its the summer and you never know when you'll get a hankering for a mojito or margarita!)  Combine the simple syrup, lemon juice and orange juice in a pitcher.  Mix in the club soda.  Add the lemon slices, orange slices and mint.  Fill glasses with crushed ice. Add 1 shot bourbon to each glass and fill to the top with the sparkling lemonade. Garnish each glass with mint.

Cheers and God Bless America!