Classic Cocktail

It's Friday!  What are you doing this weekend?

Invite some friends over, make (or buy) some of your favorite appetizers, and treat yourself to a cocktail!  Here's one of my favorites...

Photos via Paula Jean

6-7 Fresh Mint Leaves

1 Lemon Half (cut in half again)

1 Tbsp. Simple Syrup

2 oz. Bourbon

Ice

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker mash the mint, lemon, and simple syrup five or six times with a muddler--just enough to release the flavors.  Add the bourbon and transfer to an Old Fashioned glass.  Fill half way with ice and stir. Fill the rest of the glass with ice (the ice on top will keep the lemon and mint from surfacing and making it hard to drink).  Garnish with mint...enjoy!

I am not a big bourbon drinker, but this cocktail is refreshing and delicious! Other variations can be made with gin, vodka, or rum in place of the bourbon.

What will you be treating yourself to this weekend?