Tipsy Tuesday: Bourbon Lavender Sidecar

Well, it's not really a sidecar- because that's traditionally made with brandy. I was on a roll with the whole bourbon thing though, and wanted to try something else. 

A sidecar is traditionally brandy + orange liquor + lemon juice

I used that basis to create this delicious concoction, the bourbon lavender sidecar.

Playing up the earthy flavors of bourbon again, I chose lavender and honey to sweeten the deal this time.

lavender honey simple syrup:

 combine 1/2 cup of boiling water

1/4 cup honey

1tbsp dried lavender

Allow lavender to steep in mixture until cool then strain through a mesh sieve, pressing on the lavender to release all the beautiful essential oils. I strained it into a small weck jar for keeping in the fridge. (good for about 2 weeks)

1 + 1/2 oz Bourbon

1/2 oz Grand Marnier (or other orange liquor)

1 oz lavender honey syrup

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice (about the juice from half a lemon)

dash of orange bitters

Pour ingredients into a shaker glass with 4-6 ice cubes. Shake until cold and strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with superfine sugar. youtube tutorial anyone?! 

The color of this boozy-beauty is a vibrant orange, and the distinct bourbon flavor is muddled but cuddled on the tongue by the sweet floral lavender. If you don't like bourbon, this isn't one you should try, but if you do, you'll want to only drink this from now on... for serious...

It's really good.