Vermontucky Lemonade

 

I was recently looking back through years of recipes on Smitten Kitchen's blog and I stumbled upon this recipe for Vermontucky Lemonade.  I've never been much of a drinker.  Honestly, I hate the taste of any alcohol and the only drinks I can tolerate are usually watered down with fruit juice and sugar.  My husband is a huge bourbon fan and over the years that we've been together, I've grown to enjoy the flavor as a mild accent in desserts and the like.  When I saw this recipe I was immediately curious as to whether or not I'd like it.  I've made this drink three times in the week since I pinned the recipe.  I think you could say I liked it.

This drink couldn't get any easier, which is a huge part of it's appeal to me.  Making it in a cocktail shaker eliminates the need for straining the lemon juice and gets the drink nice and cold.  I can whip this up in no time as long as I have lemons on hand.

I find the drink refreshing and tart with a lovely depth of flavor.  The maple syrup really compliments the bourbon and sweetens the drink beautifully.  The flavors make me long for summer entertaining when I can throw a little outdoor gathering and serve this cocktail up to friends.  Until then, I'll continue to enjoy this recipe and pretend the ground outside isn't covered in snow.

Deb's original recipe makes enough for at least four cocktails.  I'll definitely be referencing her recipe when I make these for company, but for the convenience of a single cocktail, I've scaled her recipe back to serve one.  I'd suggest following Deb's recipe if you'd like to make a full batch, or follow my adjustments below for one glass.

Vermontucky Lemonade
scaled back from Smitten Kitchen
serves 1

1/2 cup cold water
The juice of two lemons
2 tablespoons maple syrup (more or less, to taste)
1 shot of bourbon (more or less, to taste) - I used American Honey
Ice

Squeeze the juice of two lemons into a cocktail shaker filled about halfway with ice.  Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the shaker.  Next add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (which is more or less a shot).  Follow up with a shot or bourbon-more or less depending on how strong you'd like your drink.  Put the lid on your shaker and give it a good mix.  Pour the drink into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of lemon.  Enjoy!