INGREDIENTS:
Ice
1 1/2 oz. smoked bourbon or whiskey
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz. pure maple syrup
4 oz. ginger beer
Marshmallows, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Fill a rocks or wine glass with ice. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup and gently stir to combine. Top off with beer and stir again to combine.
Step 2: Toast marshmallows (if using) with a blowtorch or directly over the flame of a gas stove. Thread marshmallows onto a stick and garnish glass.
HELLO SUMMER
5 sprigcilantro
1/2 ouncelime juice
2 ouncewatermelon juice
1 1/2 ouncetequila (100% agave)
1 ounceLillet Blanc
1/4 ounceagave nectar
dashsalt
Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chili powder for the rims
Additional cilantro for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1
For the watermelon juice, use a seedless watermelon or remove any seeds before processing. Simply purée watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender until smooth. The juice will be textured and will naturally separate. I prefer the texture, but you can strain out the solids if desired. Make a quart or two of watermelon juice to keep in the refrigerator for agua frescas. Use the juice within a few days or freeze for future drinks.
Step 2
Find your favorite rocks glass or any kind of small tumbler. Wet the rim of your glass with water (or lime juice) and then salt the rim by dipping it into a small plate of salt sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper and chili powder. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
Step 3
Place cilantro sprigs and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the cilantro to release the oils then add watermelon juice, tequila, Lillet Blanc, agave nectar, and a dash of salt. Add a scoop of ice, then shake the cocktail vigorously for at least a minute. Strain into your prepared glass and garnish with a sprig of cilantro.
Ice
3 oz. Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
3 oz. sparkling lemonade
1/2 oz. Blue Curaçao
1 fresh rosemary sprig
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add gin, then top off with sparkling lemonade. Very carefully and slowly pour Curaçao into glass, letting it settle on the bottom. Garnish with rosemary.