By A few years ago, my family had a meeting to discuss the particulars of our upcoming family reunion. As with any family gathering, there were good food options and beverages to be had. My cousin who hosted the meeting that day made ‘Sparkling Bourbon Lemonade,’ a recipe she found from the super talented Bobby Flay. I’m not much of a mixed drink fan (much prefer either a fine wine or ‘shots’), but I have to say she won me over with this one. In fact, I have become quite fascinated by Bourbon as a result and it’s now my adult beverage of choice. Who knew?
Anyway, I had to share the recipe because it’s pretty delicious, gives a very pleasant buzz (go easy folks!), and is super simple to mix. Keep in mind that you can adjust it to include more sugar or more Bourbon. But always modify it to taste.
SPARKLING BOURBON LEMONADE
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 quart cold club soda
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh mint sprigs
- Crushed Ice
- 1-2 shots Bourbon
DIRECTIONS
- Combine 1 1/2 cups water and sugar in saucepan over high heat and cook until dissolves, about 2 minutes.
- Pour syrup in bowl cover and refrigerate for 1 HOUR
- Combine syrup, lemon juice, and orange juice in a pitcher. Mix in club soda and put in lemon & orange slices
- Fill glass with ice, pour in 1 shot Bourbon and fill with Lemonade. Can garnish with fresh mint.
The Bourbon she used in the recipe is none other than Jim Beam. Perhaps you have a favorite or can even suggest other alternatives, but I have to say the Jim Beam was pretty great. In fact, when I visit certain lounges, I ask the bartenders to recreate this recipe if they can. This is such a quick but tasty beverage to make while entertaining your friends or for close family dinners. Hope you’re ready to enjoy your Sparkling Bourbon Lemonade this summer or heck any time of the year!
What do you think?