BOURBON FRONT PORCH LEMONADE

Summertime and the livin' is easy. Having a cocktail on the front porch is such a southern tradition.

2 bunches fresh mint leave, plus 2 sprigs for garnish
4 oz Kentucky bourbon
6 oz lemonade (I used Simply Lemonade)
Juice of ½ lemon

2 oz ginger simple syrup

Lemon slices, for garnish

Ginger Simple Syrup
1 cup peeled and chopped fresh ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

Place ginger, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
Strain into a small pitcher or glass and let cool.

Place mint leaves in a cocktail shaker or small pitcher.
Muddle the leaves for a few seconds.
Fill container halfway with ice.
Add bourbon, lemonade, lemon juice, and 2 ounces of the ginger simple syrup.

Strain into two cocktail glasses with ice and garnish each drink with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.

Serves 2