Bourbon Citrus Crush

photo by Julia Gartland

developed for Food52

Inspired by a classic whiskey smash, this cocktail highlights the smooth, intense flavors of Maker’s Mark 46® bourbon, which are brightened with notes of lemongrass and orange.

Makes 1 cocktail

 

Ingredients

For the cocktail:

2 parts Maker’s Mark 46® bourbon

1/2 part lemongrass syrup

1/4 part freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 part freshly squeezed lemon juice

3 dashes orange bitters

Fresh orange peel, for garnish

1 (6-inch) piece of lemongrass stalk, for garnish

For the lemongrass syrup:

1 stalk lemongrass

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar


Directions

For the cocktail:

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake until well-chilled.

Strain into a rocks glass over ice.

Squeeze the orange peel (peel side facing the glass) over the cocktail to release its oils and rub on the rim of the glass. Drop the peel into the glass and add the lemongrass stalk as a garnish.

For the lemongrass syrup:

Cut the lemongrass stalk into 2-inch pieces, and use the back of the knife to crush each of the pieces.

Add the lemongrass and water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Let cool completely and strain. The syrup can be made ahead and will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.