Kentucky Afternoon

This month, in honor of the Kentucky Derby and the famed mint julep, we bring you an inspired version made with Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel Bourbon, preserved lemon syrup and fresh mint. Served straight up rather than over crushed ice, this cocktail is definitely worthy of afternoon sipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 ounces Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
• 1 ounce preserved lemon syrup*
• 5 mint leaves
• Squeeze of lemon wedge
  

To make:
Bruise mint leaves, add ice and shake 10 count. Double strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel and mint top.

*For Preserved Lemon Syrup:

• 8 lemons, quartered, centers removed
• 4 lemons, juiced and strained
• 4 cups sugar
• 6 cups water

Add lemons to pot, cover with water and bring just to a boil. Drain and repeat two more times. Add the measured sugar and water to the pot with the lemons and bring to a boil, simmer and reduce by 1/3. When cool, add the lemon juice.

– Jesse Ratliff, Mixologist