My bourbon lemonade cocktail is made with homemade lemonade, lavender simple syrup, and your favorite bourbon for a deliciously summery cocktail!
So it rained for about two days straight over the weekend, you guys. If you on the east side of the US, you probably got hit with some of that lovely weather too, and boy does it make it not feel so much like summer! But regardless of what’s going on outside, fresh homemade drinks are just about my favorite thing in the summertime, even when it’s slightly chilly outside! This homemade lemonade cocktail is no exception, so let’s jump right in!
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First of all, I love a good pitcher cocktail. Pitcher cocktails say “look at me! I’m fresh, I’m delicious, and all you have to do is pour me in a glass and potentially top me off with some bubbly!” (But even that isn’t always a requirement!) These are the perfect type of drink to serve at any and all parties and get-togethers in the summer because they can be made ahead of time, leaving very little to no cocktail preparation needed during your actual event, outside of filling a glass with ice and pouring the cocktail over it. Win, win, people!
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Today’s pitcher cocktail is my take on a bourbon lemonade. I started out with fresh homemade lemonade, but you could also use store-bought lemonade if you don’t feel like making your own (or if your wrist won’t take the workout, because mine was about ready to fall off by the end!). To sweeten things up a little, I made a simple homemade lavender simple syrup. You could skip the lavender if that isn’t your thing, or you could substitute it with your favorite herb! Some other herbs that would work beautifully with this drink are basil, tarragon, and thyme!
Related: Lemon Lavender Gin Fizz
Then, the whole pitcher gets chilled until it’s nice and frosty. Then, just fill up your tumblers, add some bourbon, and pour away! If you want to make it even easier for guests, you could also add a set amount of bourbon to the pitcher just before setting it out for serving and stir it in before letting guests serve themselves.
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Now it’s your turn: what is your favorite summer cocktail? Share with me by commenting below!
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 large lemons)
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons lavender simple syrup (or more if you prefer it to be sweeter)
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon per cocktail
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- To make simple syrup, combine water and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until honey is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in lavender. Allow to steep for 10 minutes, then strain over a fine mesh sieve and set aside to cool. Allow to completely cool to room temperature before use.
- In a large pitcher, combine water, lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Taste and add extra simple syrup if desired. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- To make one cocktail, fill a tumbler with ice and add bourbon. Fill with lemonade and serve with lemon slice as garnish.
