A quick glance at all my Martini Madness recipes on this blog and you’ll know I have a love for all vodka ‘tinis (rum ones too). I’m really trying to expand my horizons though. Step out of my comfort zone a bit. While I’m not quite ready for a bourbon or whiskey “neat” like most men I know, I did enjoy this Bourbon Cocktail I came up with recently.
I think bourbon is an acquired taste, and one I haven’t quite developed yet. In the past, my only experience with bourbon or whiskey that I truly enjoyed was in the form of pecan bars or homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream. So I knew I needed to cut the strong flavor with something sweet (surprised? probably not). I thought honey or maple syrup would go nice with the bourbon. After a few attempts, I ended up with this cocktail that has Grand Marnier, honey and some lemon juice. I think what I liked about this drink is that the sweetness from the honey syrup, and even the Grand Marnier, is nicely balanced with the sour of the lemon.
If you’re a novice bourbon drinker like me, give this one a try for an introduction to the bourbon drinking world. You might be pleasantly surprised at how drinkable it is. And if you’re a regular bourbon drinker, you just might enjoy a little change of pace once in a while too! Oh, and check out those big round ice cubes! Pretty cool, eh? I got the molds to make them at Crate & Barrel.
- 1 part Bourbon (I used Buffalo Trace)
- .5 part Grand Marnier
- .5 part Honey syrup*
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake to combine and chill, then strain into old fashioned (rocks) glass filled with ice, or one big ice cube.
- Garnish with Lemon or Orange peel.
