Kentucky Maid

For some reason, I always end up gravitating towards these Bourbon/lime drinks.

As I noted before, bourbon is more traditionally mixed with lemon juice, ala the Whiskey Sour, but IMO mixing with lime gives a more distinct and complex flavor.

The Kentucky Maid is part of a family of cocktails created by NYC Bartender Sam Ross. Simply substituting the spirit changes the drink to a either an Old Maid (gin), a Polish Maid (vodka) or a Mexican Maid (tequila).

The mix of lime, cucumber, mint, sugar and bourbon makes for a super refreshing cocktail for the warm spring and summer days ahead.

I used Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon for this one, which is excellent for mixing or sipping. We also carry Four Roses Small Batch Select and Single Barrel at Howie's, along with all the other ingredients you'll need for this one.

4 English Cucumber Slices

4 oz. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

12 fresh mint leaves

1 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

1 1/2 oz. simple syrup

Place the cucumbers and mint in a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add ice and the remaining ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Stick a sprig of mint through a cucumber slice for garnish.

This recipe serves 2, so enjoy with a friend.