It’s safe to say that bourbon is one of those thing I WANT to be cool enough to drink.  Ha!  No, but seriously, it’s hard for me to drink.  Over the years I’ve really tried to become a bourbon drinker.  It’s just not one of those drinks that goes down easy for me.  But I have to tell you…this citrus bourbon cocktail is the very first bourbon drink that I can genuinely enjoy. 

First things first: I needed to wrap my head around bourbon vs. whiskey.  If you ARE a bourbon drinker, however, then you’ll already know the difference between just any old bourbon and whiskey.  All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Here, I used bourbon whiskey from Greenville’s Six and Twenty Distillery that we visited earlier this year.  Per the rules of a true bourbon, this spirit was stored in new charred-oak barrels.  And it was made with grains all from South Carolina; corn, soft red winter wheat, barley, rye and rice to be exact.  It’s a difference—even a new brand new bourbon lover like me—can taste. 

But let’s talk recipe now, shall we?!  I think the reason I love this cocktail so much is the pairing of the fresh citrus juice with the warm, smoky and smooth taste of the bourbon.  When it comes to citrus in a recipe like this, it doesn’t matter if you use lemon, lime, orange or all of the above.  I used a combination of all three as I had a lot around the house, but I assure you that you’ll get the same effect if you use one or all. It really is a great fall drink, and it would be simple to put a few down before you know it. 

Tell me, are you a bourbon drinker?!  I’d say this citrus bourbon cocktail would make a bourbon fan out of anyone!  Truly, MKR

P.S. For more cozy fall recipes, be sure to check out our Recipe Index. xo 

Was it just me, or was the Aperol Spritz one of the most Instagramable drinks this summer?!  I can’t tell you how many times I spotted this vibrant orange cocktail as I was scrolling through my feed.  But of course, I wasn’t too surprised; this cocktail is extremely drinkable, and extremely refreshing and a drink I’ve been drinking for years now thanks to the hubs introducing me to it.

This classic Italian cocktail is known as the “original Spritz” and offers a light, sparkling and refreshingly bittersweet taste.  It’s most commonly enjoyed as an aperitif in Italy, serving as a symbol of a lively atmosphere and an ice-breaker.  As a cocktail with Aperol, Prosecco and an accompanying lower alcohol content, it really does prove to be the ultimate summertime sip that’s versatile enough for daytime drinking to happy hour and beyond. 

Now of course, the Aperol Spritz is known as a classic for a reason.  Aperol first launched in 1919, quickly becoming one of the most beloved liqueurs in Italy.  The original recipe introduced a rich, complex taste that marries citrus notes with herbs.  Aperol’s recipe, to this day, has remained unchanged and a secret to the rest of us. 

All that being said, there’s really no surprise that mixing an Aperol Spritz has turned into a popular ritual.  Bartender and cocktail purist alike should know that this cocktail should be the same every single time: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda.  By tradition, it should also always be served in a balloon stemware glass, and poured ¾ to the top of the glass.  Staying true to the recipe is key and what I’ve learned is that here in the states not everyone mixing up your drink may value the original recipe the so best to remember 3, 2, 1 that way you’ll be assured to  sip the perfect spritz each and every time.

Tell me, have you tried this classic, cult-favorite cocktail?  Cin Cin!  Truly, MKR