KENTUCKY 95
Bourbon is a truly American product, with Kentucky producing 95 percent of the world’s supply. According to federal law, bourbon must be at least 51 percent corn, distilled to less than
160 proof, and aged for at least two years in new charred-oak barrels. Bourbon also must be made in the United States. In other words, a foreign product that meets all of the other
requirements cannot be sold here as bourbon.
I love drinking bourbon straight up or on the rocks and using it in both savory and dessert sauces. It is without a doubt my spirit of choice. I also enjoy mixing it on occasion with other
ingredients as long as those ingredients don’t mask the slightly woody, slightly floral taste of the bourbon. This drink is an American twist on the French 75, replacing the traditional
cognac with bourbon and adding orange juice for freshness.
Serves 1
¾ ounce Maker’s Mark or other good-quality bourbon
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce fresh orange juice
¾ ounce Simple Syrup
Ice cubes
Champagne or other dry sparkling wine, chilled
Lemon twist, for serving
Combine the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with 6 ice cubes. Shake for 10 seconds before straining into a
wineglass and topping with champagne and a lemon twist.