Bourbon Lemonade with Honey Syrup

Bourbon, balanced with lemonade, topped with a sparkling lemon soda and enhanced with the aromatics of fresh mint all smoothed out with a pour of a luuscious honey syrup. Add a scoop of ice, stir and cheers!

The heat is slowly working it’s way back to North Texas. And though it’s not yet spring an iced cold cocktail seems fitting to kick of the weekend. Bourbon is not always thought of as a warm weather spirit, but it’s floral, spicy notes swirl playfully with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of mint.

This cocktail starts with fresh mint muddled in the bottom of your glass, followed with the warm, subtle spices of bourbon, lemonade, and a crisp lemon soda. Finish with a touch of honey syrup, a cousin to the South’s simple syrup.

Honey syrup is similar to a classic simple syrup. It’s a simple mix of honey and water gently warmed until blended.

This is an easy cocktail, light and refreshing and a delicious way to beat the heat or just kick back on a weekend!

Bourbon Infused Lemonade with Honey Syrup

For the honey syrup:

¾ cup honey

½ cup water

For the cocktail:

 4 to 5 large mint leaves

1-½ ounces good bourbon, about 3 tablespoons

¼ cup lemonade

¼ cup lemon flavored soda

1 tablespoon honey syrup

Fresh sprig of mint and slice of lemon for garnish

To make the honey syrup:

Pour the honey and the water into a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and warm until the honey and water are blended together, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

For the cocktail:

Drop 4 to 5 mint leaves into the bottom of a tall glass. Muddle until the leaves are crush to release their oils.

Add the bourbon along with the lemonade, lemon soda, and the honey syrup.

Stir to mix together and fill the glass with ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Honey syrup is a great alternative to simple syrup, offering a depth of flavor. Keep it stored in the refrigerator.