Tequila is often the spirit of choice on Cinco de Mayo, so what’s a bourbon lover to do? Turns out that tequila and bourbon combine just fine in this rich, smooth Maple Bourbon Margarita recipe.

I’m a big fan of bourbon. So I never hesitate to mix it in a cocktail when I want to try something new. When we were experimenting with new Cinco de Mayo cocktails, I wanted to try a bourbon’d up version of a margarita.

This drink has all the usual margarita ingredients, but with a twist. I settled on maple syrup for a sweetener in this Maple Bourbon Margarita because maple and bourbon go so nicely together. Throw in a few dashes of orange bitters and you’ve got a rich, slightly sweet, delicious cocktail.

Maple Bourbon Margarita Recipe

To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1 ounce of tequila, 1 ounce of bourbon, 1 ounce of pure maple syrup, 1/2 ounce of Triple Sec, 1/2 ounce of fresh-squeezed lime juice, and 3-4 dashes of orange bitters. I recommend a nice reposada tequila because they are aged in oak barrels and complement the bourbon well. We only had silver tequila on hand when we were photographing this drink, but I made it again with reposada and it’s even better.

If you usually drink your margaritas with salt, consider another option for this drink. It’s excellent with no additions at all, but for an extra sweet touch, rim your glass with maple syrup and dip in sugar before making your drink.

This margarita is easy to make. Simply combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, shake until frosty cold, then strain into a glass with fresh ice.

When your bourbon-loving friends swing by for a Cinco de Mayo drink, surprise them with this excellent bourbon-infused margarita!

Maple Bourbon Margarita

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

A rich, bourbon'd up version of the classic margarita.

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Ingredients

• 1 oz reposado tequila
• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz Triple Sec
• 1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 3-4 dashes of orange bitters

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake until frosty cold, then strain into a glass with fresh ice.
3. Please drink responsibly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 319Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 0gSugar: 23gProtein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.

The post Maple Bourbon Margarita: Something New for Cinco de Mayo appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

I came up with this Pomegranate Whiskey Sour recipe when I was trying to make a vampire-themed cocktail. This drink turned out to be a little too pink for the vampire theme, but it’s still delicious!

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My go-to drink is the whiskey sour. Before I started this blog and started taking my home bartending skills seriously, I always made a whiskey sour with bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup. I never used a sour mix and the idea of a raw egg white kinda grossed me out.

But I have evolved.

The first time I tried an egg white in a drink is when Naomi made me her Pisco Sour. I loved the smooth, creaminess the egg white brought to the drink. Ever since then, I’ve been obsessed with foamy sour drinks!

I even did a little research and found that when egg whites are shaken thoroughly without ice, they emulsify. Agitating the whites causes their proteins to unfold and mixes in air bubbles, creating a nice foam that’s perfectly safe to drink. (Check out these other cocktail questions you’ve always wanted answered!)

Perfect Valentine’s Day Cocktail

When I was working on a vampire-themed cocktail (inspired by Stephanie Meyer’s new Twilight book – Midnight Sun), I turned first to my trusty whiskey sour. How could I make it red? And so the Pomegranate Whiskey Sour was born.

It’s definitely too pretty for a vampire cocktail, but its pink foaminess is just perfect for Valentine’s Day or even Christmas! To make this drink, you’ll need:

• 2 oz whiskey of your choice (rye and bourbon are both types of whiskey, so they work great, too)
• 1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (or this skinny, sugar-free version!)
• 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz egg white

Pour all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake without ice. This is called a “dry shake” and it’s an important step to emulsify the egg white.

After a vigorous dry shake for 15-20 seconds, add ice and shake again for another 20-30 seconds. The outside of the shaker should be nice and frosty and your arm should be tired. 🙂 Then strain into a coup glass and let it sit for a few seconds to allow the foam to rise to the top.

Let’s talk a little more about that egg white. It can be difficult to measure a half-ounce of an egg white. It’s thick and not always easy to get the perfect amount. Don’t stress about it. A half ounce is typically half of an average egg white, so if you are making two whiskey sours, just put the whole egg white in. I rarely measure my egg whites anymore and it’s never made much of a difference in my drink.

If you really want to impress your guests – or your Valentine – garnish your sour with a pretty flower, a dried rosebud, a Luxardo cherry, or even some cocktail glitter!

Pomegranate Whiskey Sour

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

The Pomegranate Whiskey Sour is a classic whiskey sour with the simple addition of pomegranate juice - making it pretty and foamy and pink!

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Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz egg white

Instructions

1. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and vigorously dry shake (without ice) for 15-20 seconds. This is an important step to emulsify the egg white.
2. Add a few ice cubes and shake for another 20-30 seconds.
3. Strain into a coup glass and let sit for a few seconds to allow the foam to rise to the top.
4. Please drink responsibly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 26mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 2g

Nutrition information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.

The post Pomegranate Whiskey Sour appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

It’s so easy to make your own hard seltzer with any flavors and alcohols that you like. Here are 7 skinny hard seltzer recipes to get you started!

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Seltzer is a an absolute staple in our house. There are some days we even have it at breakfast. I could drink a cold Coconut Lacroix all day, every day. What do we do with all the seltzer we buy every week? We make skinny seltzer cocktails of course!

It’s easy (and cheaper!) to make your own hard seltzer. Here are 7 different skinny seltzer cocktails that are perfect for when you want to choose something on the healthier side.

#1. Blueberry Lemon Vodka Seltzer

Mix six ounces of blueberry seltzer, two ounces of vodka, two or three lemon slices and a handful of blueberries.

Very light and refreshing. The waterloo is my favorite seltzer for this one. It tastes amazing! I haven’t seen any other brands that offer just a plain blueberry. Please comment below if you know of any!

If the vodka taste a little strong for you, make sure you squeeze out some of that lemon juice into your drink.

#2. Cherry Bourbon Seltzer

The unexpected choice of bourbon in this cherry seltzer cocktail will make you wonder why you don’t mix bourbon in more drinks! You’ll probably want to play with the amount of bourbon you’re adding. Some like it strong, and some like just a hint of bourbon flavor.

For this one, mix six ounces of cherry seltzer, one ounce of bourbon and 1.5 ounces of lime juice. Garnish with a cherry and lime wedge.

If this sounds good, also check out my Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch!

#3. Coconut Rum Seltzer

The beach is one of my favorite places and this tastes just like vacation! It’s the combination of the coconut and pineapple that makes this one a family favorite for sure. But it’s not just for summer, my brother in law requests this even at Christmas!

Mix six ounces of coconut seltzer, two ounces of coconut rum, one ounce of cranberry juice and one ounce of pineapple juice.

#4. Strawberry Vodka Seltzer

Mix six ounces of strawberry seltzer, two ounces of vodka, three lemon slices and a handful of diced strawberries (optional).

Just slice the lemon as pictured and add them in the vodka seltzer. Sometimes when I have fresh strawberries on hand I will chop and add them is as well. Refreshing and so easy!

If you find the vodka a little strong, just be sure to give them lemons a little squeeze.

#5. Grapefruit and Gin

This gin and juice recipe is a newer addition to my recipe box, but it will definitely be sticking around. I absolutely love these flavor with my gin. Just mix six ounces of grapefruit seltzer, two ounces of gin, two ounces of grapefruit juice, and one ounce lime juice.

Be sure to check out our full post on this Grapefruit and Gin cocktail.

#6. Orange Seltzer Magarita

This is definitely a crowd favorite. We usually make a double batch and put them in big mason jars – check out my post on these Skinny Mason Jar Margaritas.

Mix six ounces of orange seltzer, two ounces of tequila, one ounce of lime juice, and one Stevia packet. You can also change it up and use different flavor seltzers. Some of our favorites are strawberry, blueberry, and mango.

#7. Coconut Lime Vodka Seltzer

I saved the best for last! My personal favorite of the bunch is the Coconut Lime Vodka Seltzer. It is super quick and easy to make with only three ingredients: six ounces of coconut seltzer, two ounces of vodka, and a few slices of lime – be sure to give them a little squeeze to express the juice and oils from the peel.

Remember, all seven of these drinks can be made non-alcoholic! Just leave out the liquors and you have a drink for anyone to enjoy.

The post Make Your Own Hard Seltzer: 7 Skinny Hard Seltzer Recipes appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

Sweet and tangy, this bourbon ginger shrub cocktail has a strong flavor profile that any vinegar fan will love!

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A couple weeks ago, Naomi picked up a bottle of ginger shrub from Tait Farm Foods in her local market. She brought it over so we could experiment with some cocktail creations.

Since bourbon is my favorite spirit, I immediately picked up the Bulleit and set out to mix it up with the ginger shrub.

What is a shrub?

It’s not just a bush that lines your patio. A shrub, in cocktail terms, is an infusion of fruit or spice into vinegar and sugar. Think of a shrub as a simple syrup, but with vinegar instead of water.

Shrubs are nothing new. They’ve been around for ages and were a popular method of preserving fruit in colonial America. But as refrigeration became more widely available, the production of shrubs dropped off.

Shrubs have recently made a resurgence and are a popular ingredient in craft cocktails. The vinegar adds a tart bite that works perfectly with so many fruits. It also adds a refreshing, cleansing taste.

Shrubs have also been known as “drinking vinegar,” though that term is decidedly unappetizing for most people.

I happen to looooove vinegar. When I made my first attempt with this cocktail, I asked Chrissy and Naomi to taste it and their faces immediately puckered.

So I tried again, adjusting the ratios to make it a little less vinegary and syrupy. My friends still weren’t in love with it like I was. I put it on the back burner.

But I kept thinking about the flavor profile. Surely, I can’t be the only one that enjoys vinegar or sweet cocktails? A week later, I made it again. I wanted to be sure I still liked it before putting it out into the world here on the blog!

I loved it even more. In fact, I think about it a lot and can’t wait to experiment more with this ginger shrub.

How to make a bourbon ginger shrub cocktail

To make this cocktail, you’ll mix two ounces of your favorite bourbon with one ounce of ginger shrub, 1/4 ounce of Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and 2 dashes of Fee Brothers Orange Bitters. Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. (These are my glasses – I love them!) Garnish with a dehydrated orange or a small slice of orange peel.

If you like your cocktails less sweet, you can skip the Luxardo in this cocktail and toss in an orange wedge or wheel. But I find it needs a little sweet to properly balance the spice and sour of the ginger shrub. You could even top it off with a little club soda to offset the “syrup” feel if that’s not your jam. Feel free to experiment – that’s half the fun of drinking cocktails!

What else can you do with a shrub?

Shrubs can be used in tons of recipes – not just cocktails! For example, this ginger shrub can be used to make salad dressing, satay sauce, ginger carrot soup, or potato salad. You can also mix it with sparkling water to make a spicy ginger beer or add it to iced tea. Tait Farm Foods has lots of recipes on its web site.

Tait Farm Foods is based in Pennsylvania, so if you can’t find their shrubs in your local stores, you can order online. I’m looking forward to trying out their Spiced Vanilla Pear Shrub and the Sour Cherry Shrub!

Bourbon Ginger Shrub Cocktail

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Sweet and tangy, this Bourbon Ginger Shrub Cocktail has a strong flavor profile that vinegar fans will love!

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Ingredients

• 2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
• 1 oz Tait Farm Foods Ginger Shrub
• 1/4 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
• 2 dashes Fee Brothers Orange Bitters

Instructions

1. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is cold and frosty.
3. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a dehydrated orange or a small orange peel slice.
5. Please drink responsibly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 225Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.

The post Bourbon Ginger Shrub Cocktail appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

Did you pick up a bunch of cherries at the store, but now you’re not really feeling like Betty Crocker or making a pie? Pit them, chop them and juice them to create a bourbon punch cocktail recipe instead! This Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch is a great addition to any summer cookout. (Keep reading even if you don’t have fresh cherries.)

“Wait, did you say bourbon?” Yes! We tried vodka, tequila, gin, you name it. When we got to bourbon it stopped us in our tracks!

I always thought of bourbon as a Dad drink. After crafting this bourbon punch cocktail, I think it’s time to drop the stereotypes. These flavor combinations are absolutely delightful together. Everyone at your barbecue will be sipping on this bourbon punch, so you should probably make a double batch to begin with!

Cherries: Fresh, Frozen or Juiced

This recipe is so flexible. You can use cherries in any form.

Fresh Cherries

• pit and halve a pound of cherries
• add the cherries and 2 cups of filtered water to a small sauce pan
• turn the heat to medium low and bring to a simmer
• let simmer for 7-10 minutes
• cool and strain with a fine mesh strainer

Frozen Cherries

• 12 oz bag of frozen cherries (they are usually already pitted)
• let thaw for a few mins so you can cut them in half
• add the cherries and 2 cups of filtered water to a small sauce pan
• turn the heat to medium low and bring to a simmer
• let simmer for 7-10 minutes
• let cool and strain with a fine mesh strainer

Store-Bought Cherry Juice

• Check the ingredient label to be sure there is no added sugar

Limes: Perfect with Cherries

The thing about limes is… I love them! I would put limes in every drink if I could. This recipe is a testament to that, as it is very “limey.”

You’ll need 5-7 limes for this punch. Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch, but if you’re going to the grocery store anyway, add fresh limes to your list. It makes all the difference between a good punch and great punch!

Juice them up! You’ll need 3/4 cup of lime juice. Remember to cut some up for garnishes as well.

Making a Healthy Bourbon Punch Cocktail

While creating this recipe with my family we could all agree that bourbon was the secret ingredient, but we all had different opinions on the sweetness part. Half of the family likes sugary drinks and half of us like them on the healthier side.

This drink is full of healthy ingredients. Cherries bursting with antioxidants, apples keeping the doctor away, and limes to improve digestion and fight infection. I have even read that bourbon can help reduce the risk of certain carcinogens! (I do not remember where I read this, therefore I have no proof.) I didn’t want to ruin this healthy bourbon punch with unnecessary added sugar.

We played with the juices and stevia ratios all afternoon and after many taste tests we settled on this recipe. The result is a tasty, fruity, healthy cocktail that’s not too sweet, but just sweet enough. (Check out my Skinny Margarita recipe for more!)

The Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch works great as a pitcher drink, or make half the recipe for two to enjoy.

Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Wait, did you say bourbon? Yes! The flavor combinations in this bourbon cherry punch are absolutely delightful together. Perfect for your summer cookout, you should probably make a double batch!

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Ingredients

• 2 cup Cherry Juice
• 1 1/4 cup Apple juice
• 3/4 cup Lime juice
• 1 cup Kentucky Bourbon
• 1 1/2 tsp Stevia (6 packets)
• 1 can Seltzer (cherry, lime or plain)

Instructions

1. Prepare cherry juice (see notes below) or use a store-bought, no-sugar-added cherry juice.
2. Add juices and stevia to a 1/2 gallon pitcher and stir until stevia is dissolved.
3. Add bourbon and seltzer.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with lime.
5. Please drink responsibly.

Notes

You can use store-bought, no-sugar-added cherry juice or make your own with fresh or frozen cherries:

- 1 pound fresh (or one 12 oz bag frozen) cherries pitted and halved.

- Add cherries and 2 cups of water to small sauce pan.

- Simmer for 7-10 mins over medium-low heat.

- Let cool and strain with a fine mesh strainer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 106Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 39mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.

The post Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

This New York Sour recipe uses Proof Syrup for just a touch of that “Old Fashioned” flavor. The cocktail is not only tasty, it’s beautiful too!

The classic New York Sour is a whiskey sour with a layer of red wine floated on top. I love a whiskey sour and the addition of a nice red wine gives it a bolder, richer taste profile.

Because sometimes you just need a little more alcohol in your drink.

I discovered this cocktail about 6 months ago when I was looking for something elegant and pretty to serve at a holiday gathering. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and smooth – and it packs a punch if you use a 100+ proof bourbon like Knob Creek!

I’ve made the classic New York Sour recipe – with 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz simple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, and 2 oz red wine – many times. It happens to be my favorite cocktail at the moment.

But then I discovered Proof Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup.

A Slight Variation on the New York Sour Recipe

Proof Syrup intrigued me with its claim to make the perfect tasting cocktail by just adding alcohol. It comes in three flavors: Traditional, Pecan, and Maple Bacon.

It’s a combination of sugar syrup and bitters, and is designed to make a perfect Old Fashioned (another drink I looovvve). Mix Proof with bourbon or rye whiskey and you’ve got a fast, easy, balanced Old Fashioned.

But you can do so much more with it. So I wondered if it might work in a sour recipe. Guess what? It most definitely does.

I created a slight variation of the traditional New York Sour using Proof Syrup for just a touch of that “Old Fashioned” flavor.

To make this cocktail, put a few ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Add in 2 oz of your favorite bourbon, 1/2 oz of Proof Traditional Syrup, and 1/2 oz lemon juice.

Shake well and strain into a glass of crushed ice. DON’T skimp on the crushed ice! I’m serious! If you want this New York Sour to have that beautiful layered look, the crushed ice is essential in the presentation.

The final step is to slowly pour a couple ounces of red wine into the glass. Sometimes the wine will float on top, sometimes it will sink. I haven’t experimented enough to figure out why (clearly NOT a professional mixologist here). But I suspect it has to do with the heaviness of the wine. And in the classic New York Sour, there is more simple sugar and lemon juice that probably helps the sour portion sink.

In any case, it WILL separate and it will look beautiful. I hope you’ll try Proof Syrup and I hope you enjoy this recipe! I’d love to hear if you have created any of your own variations on the New York Sour cocktail.

Old Fashioned New York Sour

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This New York Sour recipe uses Proof Syrup for just a touch of that “Old Fashioned” flavor. The cocktail is not only tasty, it’s beautiful too!

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Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1/2 oz Proof Cocktail Syrup
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz red wine
• Ice cubes and crushed ice
• If Proof Syrup is not available, use 1 oz simple syrup and an additional 1/2 ounce lemon juice.

Instructions

1. Put a few ice cubes in a cocktail shaker.
2. Pour in the bourbon, Proof Syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake, then strain into a glass of crushed ice. Don't skip the crushed ice - it makes the drink look beautiful!
4. Slowly pour a couple ounces of red wine into the glass. The wine may float or sink, depending on the heaviness of your wine.
5. Please drink responsibly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 275Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.

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The post Old Fashioned New York Sour Recipe appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

A sweet twist on the traditional whiskey sour, this Orange Maple Bourbon Sour recipe uses orange-infused maple syrup for a tangy kick.

The whiskey sour is one of my favorite drinks. And I love that there are virtually unlimited variations of this cocktail. I always have Bourbon and lemons in the house, so I play a little game with myself called “what can I add to this drink?”

I was out of simple syrup the night I made this cocktail. Simple syrup is easy enough to make, but I’ve also seen lots of recipes that use something other than plain sugar. Honey and maple syrup are two that are common.

For this whiskey sour, I wanted to try maple syrup in place of simple syrup. But I didn’t want a super maple-y taste. I needed another option. I went foraging in my fridge and came up with an orange. Orange maple sounded just perfect. And not too crazy for my first attempt at infusing maple syrup.

How to infuse maple syrup

The first time I made this orange-infused maple simple syrup, I sliced up an orange and threw it right in the pot of syrup. It was ok, but it lacked a real orange punch of flavor.

I’ve since learned that it’s the zest and the juice that you really need to give your citrus simple syrups that WOW flavor. To create this particular syrup, add one cup of PURE maple syrup (do not use the imitation stuff) in a saucepan with the zest of one orange. Be careful to only zest the very top layer of the orange because the white pith underneath is bitter!

Simmer (do not boil!) over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, stir in the juice of half the orange, then let the syrup cool for at least 10 minutes.

When cooled, strain the syrup into a mason jar or other glass container for storage. You can keep that infused maple syrup in your fridge for months.

There are a lot of other options for infused maple syrup. It’s excellent on French Toast. And while I was looking for more ways to use it, I came across this recipe for Sweet Corn Fritters with Bourbon-Maple Syrup. Mmm… I love corn fritters and these would be perfect with my cocktail.

Making the Bourbon Sour cocktail

To prepare the cocktail, fill your shaker with ice. Pour in two ounces of Bourbon, one ounce of lemon juice, and one ounce of your orange maple syrup. Shake well. Pour into a glass with ice and garnish with an orange wedge.

I love the taste of this mixed drink. The maple and orange flavors are there, but not overpowering. You’ll find yourself tasting the orange a few seconds after you’ve taken a sip.

I’m excited to try new flavor infusions with more fruits and spices! Naomi just made a ginger-infused syrup for her Grapefruit Ginger Bourbon Sour! Yummy.

I hope you enjoy this Orange Maple Bourbon Sour recipe – a tangy twist on the whiskey sour!

Also check out this Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash from my friend Brianna at the Casual Foodist!

Orange Maple Bourbon Sour

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

A sweet twist on the traditional whiskey sour, this cocktail uses orange-infused maple syrup for a tangy kick.

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Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon (or your favorite whiskey)
• 1 oz Lemon juice
• 1 cup Pure maple syrup
• Zest of one orange
• Juice of 1/2 orange
• Ice

Instructions

1. Pour your maple syrup into a saucepan and add the orange zest.
2. Simmer (do not boil!) over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in orange juice.
4. Let the syrup cool for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the syrup into a mason jar or other glass container for storage.
6. To prepare the cocktail, fill your shaker with ice.
7. Add the bourbon, lemon juice and one ounce of the syrup and shake well.
8. Pour into a glass with ice and garnish with an orange wedge.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.

The post Orange Maple Bourbon Sour appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

This Grapefruit Ginger Bourbon Sour was the perfect answer to a grey, dreary day. Like the rest of you, I’ve been staying home and here in New Jersey the April showers have dragged on a bit past their welcome. I found myself wistfully thinking of warm sunny days this past week and so made my best attempt at faking it with this gorgeous, refreshing cocktail. Fake it ‘till ya make it, right?

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Healthy Goodness

I LOVE a good grapefruit, tart but sweet, full of health benefits and a great energy booster! Not only does it have a good dose of vitamin C, the smell of grapefruit is known to boost your mood! So when I wanted to make a little pick me up drink I knew I had to include this fabulous fruit. 

Fresh squeezed lime juice is also essential to the refreshing citrusy taste of this cocktail. Wouldn’t be a sour without it! I was lucky and had one more lime left, but in a pinch I always have Santa Cruz Organic Lime Juice on hand. Love their juices.

I also am a huge fan of anything with ginger in it, and happened to have some ginger root leftover in the fridge. I love the flavor and kick of fresh ginger; and just like grapefruit, it’s so good for you! I think I’d need a whole separate post just to talk about how much I love ginger and all it’s health benefits! Win, win, so I decided to make my own ginger simple syrup to use in my drink. 

Smooth Drinking

And then of course there’s the good stuff. BOURBON. If I had to pick a favorite liquor it would definitely be bourbon and Buillet is a staple in my liquor cabinet. (Side note – I can’t wait to show you all my antique tv cabinet – turned liquor cabinet in another post!)

I love a good smooth bourbon on the rocks, but it’s also my go-to for cocktails. I find myself always ordering the bourbon option from the cocktails special menu on a night out. 

Get Mixing

To make this Grapefruit Ginger Bourbon Sour, you’ll need to gather all your ingredients and supplies ahead of time so you don’t get distracted and burn the syrup like I did the first time around…oops. 

Fresh ginger root, sugar, grapefruit, lime, and your favorite bourbon. Saucepan for the ginger syrup, grater, rocks/cocktail glass (or in my case a Conclave Brewery glass because I love them), some crushed ice and a spoon.

You’ll start by making your own ginger simple syrup. I scaled down the recipe from epicurious as I didn’t have enough ginger to make a large batch. 

While your syrup is simmering, juice your grapefruit and lime. Once your syrup is cooled, mix with the juices and pour into your ice filled glass. Add bourbon and give it a stir. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and lime, and for an extra kick, a pinch of grated ginger. 

Admire your gorgeous drink for a quick second and ENJOY!

Grapefruit Ginger Bourbon Sour

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

This cocktail is made with fresh grapefruit and lime juices, ginger simple syrup and bourbon. If you're looking for something bright and refreshing, this is the perfect drink!

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Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp Ginger simple syrup
• 2/3 C Grapefruit juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 oz bourbon
• Pinch of grated ginger
• Slice of lime and grapefruit for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare ginger simple syrup - mix 1 c sugar, 1 c water, and sliced ginger. See full recipe here.
2. Mix ginger syrup with juices.
3. Pour over ice.
4. Add bourbon and stir.
5. Garnish with fruit slices and pinch of grated ginger.
6. Please drink responsibly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 275Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.

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