Spring is upon us!! This a very exciting time, the stores have tulips in them, it’s staying light out past 4:30, and it’s warm enough to not need boots. That means we are quickly coming up on bonfire season, possible my favorite part of the warm weather months. Starting a fire, and drinking in the backyard is quite possibly my favorite activity and I plan on spending a ton of time doing it this summer. And I’ve create the perfect drink for such an event this time of year, this Bourbon Citrus Smash.
This drink was created 100% on a whim and it turned out so good that Andrew and I just looked at each other in awe at what I had created. It all started one evening when we were out of tequila (our usual choice drink), we had only whiskey that was leftover from a party with no apparent mixers and we were took lazy to walk to the store in the cold. However, being the resourceful alcoholic that I am, I took a serious inventory and decided to come up with something and I don’t think that either of us could’ve foreseen this turning into our now special treat drink.
Now, the initial creation of this drink did not have the basil or the egg white in it, those were additions in later version that I tried to see if it elevated it at all and in both instances my hunch was correct. The basil is the perfect compliment to the citrus flavors and the egg whites add almost a creaminess that it unbelievably good.
If you’ve never tried a cocktail with egg whites, today is the day, screw going to some bar where the bartenders wear overalls and charge you $15.00 a drink, you can do this yourself and it’s super easy and delicious. Egg whites are an incredible addition to drinks, it’s hard to even describe but I swear you won’t regret trying it.
The reason I think this drink is the perfect post-work cocktail for Spring is because while this drink is served over ice, I just feel like Bourbon or Whiskey really fit in better when there’s still a little crispness in the air. There’s something warming about them. This drink also uses citrus which is just coming out f season this time of year.
If you make this PLEASE take a picture and let me know, I’ll cheers you from Chicago!
Love,
Jackie
- 2 basil leaves (more for garnish)
- 2 tsp (one generous squirt) of honey
- 4 shakes angostura bitters
- 2 orange peel slices (more for garnish)
- 2 lemon peel slices
- 2 shots Whiskey or Bourbon
- juice of ½ lemon
- juice of 1 orange (or ½ cup orange juice)
- 1 egg white (optional)
- Ice
- Pack a highball glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, add the basil leaves, lemon peels orange peels, honey and bitters. Using a muddler, crush the basil leaves and peels into the honey and bitters for about 10 seconds to get the flavor out of the peels.
- Add in the whiskey or bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, egg white if using, and a generous scoop of ice (separate from the ice in your glass). Shake for about 10-15 seconds until the drink is full mixed (if you're using egg white it will be kind of frothy too).
- Strain the drink over ice into the glass. Top with additional orange juice if glass isn't full. Garnish with orange peels or basil leaves.
