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On one fateful May 24 long weekend at the cottage, I discovered that you could sink pretty well any amount of rye into a rocks glass and top it with even the lightest touch of San Pellegrino Limonata and not be able to taste the alcohol. Magic.
I wasn’t exactly feeling magical the next morning. But let’s focus on the positive. The real take-away from that experience was that whisky and lemonade, with a little effervescence, are a match made in heaven.
In essence, this drink is an upscale version of that cottage drink. I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been actively seeking out grapefruit liqueur and FINALLY found a bottle of Giffard’s Creme de Pamplemousse at the LCBO at Rideau and King Edward last week.
Naturally, I’m using it at the first opportunity. Here we have 1.5 oz of bourbon, 0.5 oz of grapefruit liqueur, 4 oz of lemonade, topped with soda water. All served in a Collins glass with as many ice cubes as possible.
No, I did not have any super cute ice cubes at the ready when shooting this cocktail because the life of a food blogger is not always adorable props and hours of styling, sometimes its just a mad dash to publish and all you’ve got is fridge ice and desperation.
At least my citrus garnish looks cute AF. Oh look, and a charming patterned paper straw. Speaking of which, have you guys been following the recent movement away from plastic straws? The #StopSucking movement for a strawless ocean has major chains like Starbucks committed to getting rid of plastic straws in an effort to preserve the aquatic ecosystems in our oceans and decrease pollution.
Here in Ottawa, the global movement is being spearheaded locally by No Straw Ottawa. The organization is helping local restaurants find sustainable alternatives to the plastic straws that are filling up our oceans.
Paper straws, along with glass or stainless steel straws, are great alternatives and often, much more stylish. I got the paper straws used in this recipe from The Papery in the Glebe.
I think this is a great cause and a relatively simple change that can make a lasting impact on our environment. Start the conversation at your favourite local haunt and ask when they plan on making the shift.
Grapefruit Bourbon Lemonade
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz grapefruit liqueur
- 4 oz lemonade
- soda water
- lemon peel, for garnish
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Fill a Collins glass with ice, add bourbon, grapefruit liqueur and lemonade. Stir. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon peel. Serve with paper/glass/stainless straw.
