I know that not everyone drinks alcohol. Some for health reasons, some for religious reasons, some don’t like the taste, some are underage, some did drink but stopped, some don’t know when to say “when” and were forced to stop, and some are supporting recovering spouses or friends so they no longer imbibe. The reasons are many and I totally respect all of them.
This post isn’t intended for any of those people, unless they happen to be bartenders, frequent party hosts, or are just people who like to know what to serve guests of theirs who do enjoy a drink.
Regular readers of my blogs here and at www.extremeblondemoments.com know I love my wine, the Grey Goose L’Orange Cosmopolitan is my longtime favorite, I’m a fan of “umbrella drinks” poolside or on the beach, I love a shot of Maker’s 46 neat, my “usual” is a Maker’s 46 Old Fashioned, and I’m a huge horse racing fan so you know I love my Mint Juleps!
When my husband asks if I want my usual, he knows that will involve him putting in a little more effort than just pouring me a neat shot of 46. He’ll have to muddle a dark red Bada Bing cherry, in a few drops of Hella Bitters (citrus) ,then drop a single block of ice into the glass, cover it with a splash or two of simple syrup and top it off with a generous pour of Maker’s 46.
I saw a tweet from Maker’s Mark a few minutes ago that gave me a new spin on drinking my favorite just in time for The Belmont Stakes! Have you figured out yet that I’m a Maker’s girl? 😉
The Trifecta With a Twist combines Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Lemonade and Pomegranate Juice with ice in a rocks glass and garnishes with either a twist of orange or a twist of lemon and a maraschino cherry – you choose. I have all of those ingredients on hand and can’t wait to give it a try!
Another drink I found on the Maker’s Mark Twitter Feed, that I am anxious to try poolside, is the Maker’s Mark Summer Smash Up. This sweet and fruity concoction combines Maker’s Mark with Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, & Grenadine and is garnished with a wedge of pineapple and a maraschino cherry. Bonus! All of the ingredients are in my refrigerator! Looks like it’ll be a great weekend. 🙂
If you’re an Iced Tea fan, there’s a Maker’s Mark cocktail for you too!
The Maker’s Peach Tea combines Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Dekuyper Peachtree Liqueur and Maker’s Mark with a garnish of a fresh (or frozen) peach slice. I would muddle the peach at the bottom of the glass with the bourbon before adding the ice, and mixing in the freshly brewed tea and peach liqueur.
A post about my favorite bourbon drinks wouldn’t be complete without the Mint Julep being properly represented! I like to make my simple syrup a few days before I plan to enjoy my juleps.
My Simple Syrup recipe is simple: Combine equal parts extra fine baker’s sugar (I use C&H) with water in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved then immediately remove from the heat. My usual measurement is 2 ups sugar to 2 cups water. Cool the syrup then pour into a Rubbermaid type sealable drink container where about 5 stems of bruised (put leaves into a bowl and press a spoon firmly on the leaves to open them and release the oils) mint leaves have been placed. Put the syrup into the refrigerator to chill 😉 for at least 24 hours to infuse the mint. If your simple syrup is for anything other than a julep, don’t use the mint.
Maker’s Mint Julep
- 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
- Fresh mint
- Mint Simple Syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Club Soda
Instructions
- Place a few mint leaves in the bottom of your glass and muddle with a splash of my Mint Simple Syrup.
- Fill glass with crushed ice
- Pour Maker’s Mark, another splash of simple syrup, and a splash of club soda over the ice
- Sprinkle top of ice with powdered sugar.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
As I always do, I remind you that if you are going to drink, please:
- Know your limit / drink in moderation
- Never Drink and Drive
- Designate a sober driver, know the local taxi company’s phone number and USE IT, ask the bartender or your server to call you a cab, use UBER or LYFT, or have a friend or family member on standby for you to call if you need a ride home
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