bourbonismyspinach

This is a refreshing and kind of tangy recipe that my friend and fellow tender from lyrics libations and life brought to my attention:

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 4 basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• ginger ale

Muddle the basil, balsamic, sugar, and bitters in an old fashioned glass; add bourbon; fill with ice; and top with ginger ale, giving it a gentle stir. If you want to you can garnish it with a sprig of basil. Let me know how you like this and what you pair it with.

This is similar to a shrub, which is a spirit mixed with a vinegar based fruit syrup, popular in colonial times and in New England. I’m working on an Asian pear shrub, so stay tuned for that in the upcoming week or two.