What is simple syrup?

Simple syrup is basically sweetened water. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar or honey. Most simple syrups call for mixing together 1 part sugar to 1 part water, then stirring the mixture over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. In creating this recipe, I found that more honey/less water worked best - which is sometimes called “rich simple syrup.”

Why is simple syrup important to this cocktail?

Simple syrup is an important ingredient in this recipe for two reasons: 1. It smoothly provides sweetness needed to offset the tartness of the lemon juice and lemon bitters. 2. Adding rosemary leaves to the syrup cooking process provides a way to disperse the rosemary flavor into the cocktail.

What is the difference between Whiskey and Bourbon? Can either be used in this recipe?

First, and most importantly, remember: all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. The main difference between the two is in the fermentation process - the grain used and how it is stored/aged. By definition, whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain, including wheat, rye, barley, and corn—and then aged in wooden barrels. To legally call a whiskey a bourbon, it must be: - produced in the United States. (Other whiskeys are produced all over the world; most common are Scottish and Irish.) - made from 51 percent corn . (For other whiskeys, the mix of grains can vary.) - distilled to a max of 160 proof and placed into the barrels at a max of 125 proof. (Other whiskeys can be distilled to a max of 190 proof.) - stored in newly charred white oak barrels . (For other whiskeys, then need to be in oak barrels, but can be new or old, charred or not.) In terms of flavor, bourbon tends to be slightly sweeter and smoother than other whiskeys. Any whiskey - bourbon or other varieties - works well in this cocktail. Not sure of which whiskey to use in this recipe? Check out Whisky World's reviews.

Whiskey Lemon Cocktail with Ginger - A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®

Ingredients

Scale

Rosemary-Infused Honey Simple Syrup (Makes around 1 1/8 cups)

3/4 cup honey
6 tablespoons water
1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, plus more for garnish

Lemon Ginger Bourbon Cocktail

1/4 cup Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup
1/2 cup (4 ounces) good quality bourbon
6 tablespoons (3 ounces) ginger liqueur (I like Domaine de Canton brand)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 dashes lemon bitters (can also use orange)
Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Lemon slices, for garnish

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Instructions

Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, heat the honey, water and rosemary leaves over medium-low heat, stirring, just until the honey is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep (at room temperature) for several hours or overnight.

Lemon Ginger Bourbon Cocktail

Place 1/4 cup rosemary-infused simple syrup (with the rosemary) in a cocktail shaker that’s around half full with ice. Place the remaining simple syrup in a sealed container and refrigerate for one month for later use. (Can also freeze for up to 3 months.)
Add bourbon, ginger liqueur, lemon juice and lemon bitters to the cocktail shaker. Shake until well mixed and chilled.
Strain into two cocktail glasses over ice. Garnish with a small rosemary sprig and a slice of lemon.

Author: (By Lee Clayton Roper)
Category: cocktails, easy entertaining
Method: shaken