Best. Gift. Ever.

While preparing for Father’s Day, I was running around as usual considering what wonderful item I could give to my favorite guys! What could I give that’s between $50-$100 that would change their lives, leave them ooohing and aahhing, or perhaps even bump me to favorite child status? I know. That’s a lot to ask of a tool, article of clothing, or my go-to “Best Dad” mug/gift card combination. So, this year, I decided to try to come up with something original. I love useful and creative, but that can be tricky(at the last minute), so I enlisted the help of a friend. Thanks to my friend, R. Doug Lewis , who came up with this brilliant concoction, my guys received a gift they will be enjoying all summer long(or until the bourbon runs out…). Doug crafted a Blackberry Maple Bourbon Sour that is truly a gift. It’s simple, refreshing(just the right amount of sweet & sour), and perfect to enjoy on the back porch(or inside with the “bought air” if you’re not the porch sitting kind of person).

The recipe is as follows:

Blackberry Maple Bourbon Sour
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz maple syrup
2 oz bourbon(we used Bulleit)
6-8 blackberries

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain drink to remove berry pulp, then pour over ice cubes and serve. Makes 2 servings. (One if you like it as much as I do!)

As you can see, the recipe is simple and the ingredients readily available(even in a small town, yay). Doug and Regina served these in small jars and garnished them with a bourbon soaked lemon rind and a blackberry, of course. No matter how you serve it, this cocktail is delish! 

And while Father's Day has come and gone, there is still plenty of time left this summer to share a nice drink on the porch with your family or friends. The gift of your time will be the best. gift. ever. Cheers to a wonderful summer!