I have a thing for making cocktails.  By no stretch of the imagination am I a well-versed mixologist, but I really enjoy mixing booze with juice and affixing that perfect garnish from the opposite side of the color wheel.  The garnish is key, as it elevates a concoction from the college dorm “plastic jug vodka + grape soda” level to something even my most chic or hipster friends look cool drinking.

That being said, I have an aversion to snooty drinks.  Or those that are overly fussy.  Usually I’m making drinks with friends over, so I’d like to minimize the amount of time I’m away from the socializing.  Best case scenario is a drink I can easily whip together while running my mouth.

This summer, I’ve found my perfect drink. The Vermontucky Lemonade.  It’s simple - three ingredients - lemons, maple syrup, and bourbon.  Squeeze some lemons, cut it with water and maple syrup to your desired tart and sweetness.  Add some bourbon.  Done.

Thus far, I have only made this by the pitcher-full.  If you’re a recipe person, here’s what I do (at least I think - I’m not a recipe person):

In a pitcher, add:
- Juice from 4 lemons
- Around 1.5 cups of cold water
- Around 1/3 cup of (real) maple syrup (no log cabin, please)
- 3-4 shots of kentucky bourbon (for this I like Jim Beam - don’t go dumping your Woodford Reserve into lemonade)

Swirl it up until the syrup goes fully into solution.  Pour over ice.  Garnish with mint leaves from your garden. (Everyone should grow mint, but make sure it’s in a pot!)

But seriously I’d recommend leaving the recipe behind.  Squeeze some lemons, add some water and maple syrup until you have a tasty lemonade.  Pour over ice and add bourbon to your likeness.  Enjoy!