One for the Fourth

Happy almost Fourth of July, Billy!

Sometimes, a recipe needs no explanation.  Drinks almost always fall into this category.  So here is one in honor of this year’s Fourth of July celebration.  I know you are headed to the lake, but I beg of you: bring some extra supplies...

Red, White and Booze

Two kinds of booze gives this drink its fireworks. The first, rye whiskey, is a version of whiskey made with rye mash instead of corn mash, giving it a drier, spicier finish.   Applejack is the second, an apple brandy that is not at all sweet and adds a lovely, dry, fruit note to the drink below.  Lemon juice and bitters lightens and brightens, while Tygh added a little homemade grenadine (red!) for sweetness and egg white (white!) to give it a frothy, smooth finish.  I promise this drink will make you feel like celebrating.

Makes 2 drinks

2 shots rye (Bulleit is one of our favorites)

2 shots apple brandy (our favorite is Laird's Applejack)

1 shot fresh lemon juice

1 shot grenadine (recipe below)

2-3 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters

1 egg white

3-4 oz club soda

Shake together the first 6 ingredients.  Split between two highballs filled with ice.  Top each drink with soda. Garnish with whiskey-soaked cherry or lemon twist.

Homemade Grenadine

Though commonly associated with cherry flavor, grenadine is actually pomegranate-based (originating from the French word for pomegranate, "grenade").  While store-bought works just fine, homemade is so wonderful and surprisingly easy.  I usually halve the recipe below and freeze in ice cube trays, thawing as needed.

2 cups fresh pomegranate juice or 100% pomegranate juice 

2 cups white sugar

2 fluid oz pomegranate molasses (I use this brand)

1 tsp orange blossom water (I use this brand)

Heat pomegranate juice and sugar over low heat, just hot enough to dissolve the sugar, stirring now and again until mixture is clear and sugar is completely dissolved.  Stir in pomegranate molasses and orange blossom water until dissolved.  Let cool, storing in fridge for up to a month.   If want to store longer, can add a shot of vodka or freeze!  Recipe adapted from Jeffrey Morgenthaler via Food52