You know, whiskeys and bourbons are usually my drink for the winter but I’ve found ways to enjoy it even during the hot months.  I always think of whiskey as being a warming beverage that I enjoy when I’m cold but there are some really cool and refreshing ways that have quickly brought this liquor to rotation in the warmer months.  So anyway, I was trying to think of some easy ways to jazz up a classic cocktail: whiskey smash. And after lots of pondering and experimenting I realized, the answer is simple – try a flavored simple syrup instead of trying to reconstruct the entire drink.  So…that’s what I did, I enhanced the simple syrup a bit.

Also, if you’re not making your own simple syrup but purchasing it in the store – stop the madness. It’s so easy to make your own and you can control the amount of sugar that goes into it and you can have complete creative control over the herbs and spices, it’s a no brainer. Please make your own.

Strawberry simple syrup…mmmm.  I’ve preached enough about how to make a simple syrup but I’ll do one more sermon:

equal parts sugar + water
bring to a light boil; stir until sugar is dissolved
remove from heat and throw in some sliced strawberries
steep for 30 minutes to an hour

I didn’t go about making this in the “classic” type of way so any bartenders or cocktail experts reading this – forgive me. I took the easy way out but it was still delish.

Pour a couple of ounces of whiskey in a glass (with a large ice cube)
Add a splash of simple syrup
Spank some mint leaves and add it to the glass

Mmmmmm…refreshing, a little hint of sweetness and definitely reminiscent of summer. For a more detailed whiskey smash recipe, visit Bon Appetit.

Happy Friday!