Bourbon Belle (Straight Up)

Naked Weather

Santa Annas blow across San Diego county, warm and dry, making us feel like we're in Palm Springs. It's naked weather. Not that we're naked, but could be, comfortably, if we were so inclined. Eyes are burning and muscles feel heavy. Liquid. We sit outside. G mixes up a batch of Bourbon Belles, from Imbibe Magazine, hoping I'll like them, and I do.

I don't usually drink whiskey, but this bourbon drink is smoky and sweet and goes especially well with spicy BBQ potato chips. We chat about work. Travel plans. Then nothing.

Shoo fly. I'm sipping Bourbon Belles and an ice water. And holding very still. So I'm not so hot.

The Art of Improvisation We love Imbibe Magazine. So many great bartender profiles and drink ideas. But we don't always have the ingredients. This one by Joy Richard of Tremont 647, Boston, calls for peach, but we only had apricot liqueur. Still delicious. Thanks, Joy! Questions? Ask us on Twitter: @thurshappyhour.

Bourbon Bell Cocktail Recipe 3 oz bourbon (we used Marker's Mark, Joy used Jim Beam) 1 1/2 oz peach (or apricot) liqueur 1/2 oz sweet vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice and stir. (Don't shake or the bourbon with foam.) Strain into a glass. Garnish with a fresh peach or apricot.

When it's hot outside, it seems alcohol goes to your head faster. Not sure if there's a scientific reason here, but you should be aware. And drink lots of water. Even if you're not drinking bourbon. It's just a good idea. Responsible. You know.

Copyright © 2009, Pybop, LLC (for thursdayhappyhour.com). All rights reserved.

The Art of Improvisation We love Imbibe Magazine. So many great bartender profiles and drink ideas. But we don't always have the ingredients. This one by Joy Richard of Tremont 647, Boston, calls for peach, but we only had apricot liqueur. Still delicious. Thanks, Joy! Questions? Ask us on Twitter: @thurshappyhour.

Bourbon Bell Cocktail Recipe 3 oz bourbon (we used Marker's Mark, Joy used Jim Beam) 1 1/2 oz peach (or apricot) liqueur 1/2 oz sweet vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice and stir. (Don't shake or the bourbon with foam.) Strain into a glass. Garnish with a fresh peach or apricot.

When it's hot outside, it seems alcohol goes to your head faster. Not sure if there's a scientific reason here, but you should be aware. And drink lots of water. Even if you're not drinking bourbon. It's just a good idea. Responsible. You know.

Copyright © 2009, Pybop, LLC (for thursdayhappyhour.com). All rights reserved.