{Anthropologie Glassware | BB&B Mason Jar Drink Dispenser}
This cocktail is a special one, as it’s a bit famous (or should I say infamous?) amongst my family and friends. It’s been a catalyst for many a late/questionable night, as well as the signature drink for countless get-togethers and celebrations. This mix of citrusy, maple-y goodness coupled with sweet bourbon and a bit of spice makes this a great choice anytime of year, day or night (seriously, we may or may not have finished a carafe by noon before). Ladies and gentlemen, I give you… Luke’s Whiskey Cocktail.
Makes roughly 10-12 Bourbon cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 1 QT {or roughly half a 2 QT bottle} Spiced apple or pear cider (I’m partial to Trader Joe’s versions)
- 1 750 mL Bottle good-but-not-too-good Straight Bourbon (We like using Bulleit for this)
- Juice of 10 or so lemons
- 2 16.9 Oz Bottles of something bubbly… I like to use a mix of sparkling water and Ginger Ale to keep the sweetness down, but lemon lime and/or club soda would work equally as well
Directions:
- In a large drink dispenser or punch bowl carefully pour in your cider and Bourbon.
- Squeeze the lemons into the mixture, careful not to get any seeds in the drink. We recommend deseeding the leftover juiced lemons and dropping them into the bowl/dispenser for color, aesthetic and extra lemon flavor.
- 10 minutes before guests arrive, add lots of ice and your desired effervescence.
- Give it a quick stir with a long wooden spoon, pour and enjoy!
- I love an autumnal riff on this where we sub a quarter to half of the cider for rosemary maple simple syrup.
- Leave a small bottle of bitters beside the cocktail so guests can add a dash or two for extra depth!
- Sub half the lemons for grapefruits for a tart & summery, less-sweet version.
[Special thanks to Megan Burgess of Shortography for the gorgeous photos!]
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