Kentucky 95

Name: Kentucky 95
Yield: serves 1
Ingredients: 3/4 ounce Maker’s Mark or other good-quality bourbon; 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice; 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice; 3/4 ounce Simple Syrup (page 11); Ice cubes; Champagne or other dry sparkling wine, chilled; Lemon twist, for serving

December 14, 2011

Bourbon is a truly American product, with Kentucky producing 95 percent of the world’s supply. According to federal law, bourbon must be at least 51 percent corn, distilled to less than 160 proof, and aged for at least two years in new charred-oak barrels. Bourbon also must be made in the United States. In other words, a foreign product that meets all of the other requirements cannot be sold here as bourbon. I love drinking bourbon straight up or on the rocks and using it in both savory and dessert sauces. It is without a doubt my spirit of choice. I also enjoy mixing it on occasion with other ingredients as long as those ingredients don’t mask the slightly woody, slightly floral taste of the bourbon. This drink is an American twist on the French 75, replacing the traditional cognac with bourbon and adding orange juice for freshness.

Recipe notes

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