Bourbon is no longer for dark corners and nighttime consumption (not that there's anything wrong with that). With the right additives, you can take a cool glass of Kentucky whiskey and enjoy a taste that's a little something like sunshine. Now, most bourbon drinkers are bourbon drinkers because they like the taste of bourbon, plain and simple. And aside from adding a little coke, most believe that bourbon is not something to be messed with. However, we all have friends who just don't enjoy bourbon...yet. Here is a cocktail to help them cozy up to the idea.

WEEK 29:

Bourbon Crusta

2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
Lemon wedge
Lemon peel spiral
Sugar

Rub the rim of a chilled glass with a lemon wedge, and rim with sugar. Drop in the lemon peel spiral. Shake the liquid ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into the prepared glass.

Bourbon of any kind will work just fine—the harsher the better if you want it to compete with the citrus juices. Now we've said before, it's worth the investment, but if you don't have Cointreau, you can substitute some Triple Sec. As always, fresh lemon juice is key and you can always taste the difference, so make the extra effort. Finally, drink a lot of these, toasting your new bourbon-loving friends along the way, and pretend your drinking isn't a problem.
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