Flowers are blooming.

Bees are buzzing (let’s forget about the constant hum of mosquitoes, shall we?)

Patios are in full swing with scantily clad ladies sipping fruity concoctions.

While most people are casting aside the whisky that carried them through our harsh winter months, I’m feeling a little more loyal. No need to abandon my bourbon without just cause. Bourbon stood my side during the dark and dreary days of winter, listening to my rants and raves. Soothing my numerous tears. Always there for me like a good friend. And while some friends come, others go but a true friend sticks it out.

Just because the sun has come out and I’ve traded my winter boots for flip flops, I’m not going to lift my skirt as I run off into the sunset, a trail of long strawberry-blonde hair streaming behind me.

I shall remain loyal.

Maker’s Mark Lemonade Iced Tea

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 4 oz. Lemonade
• 4 oz. Iced Tea
• Serve on the rocks in a tall glass

Old Fashioned Lemonade

• Combine 3/4 C water, 3/4 C sugar and the zest of one lemon. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool. Should make about 1 C simple syrup.
• Stir together 1/4 tsp salt,1 C simple syrup, 1 C fresh lemon juice, 1 C water, and one lemon sliced. If the lemonade is to tart or to sweet adjust according to your taste.
• Let cool in fridge and drink within one day.

Sweet Iced Tea

• Steep 3 tea bags (I like the flavor of black iced tea bags from Starbucks) in 3 C boiled water for about seven minutes.
• Add about 1/3 cup of sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
• Add about 4-6 cups cold water.
• Sorry this isn’t exact. Like a good small town girl, I grew up on sweet iced-tea. I don’t really know the measurements I just make it. Like my mom did.

Notes:

• It seems like a lot of work, but home made lemonade and iced tea are worth it! Trust me….(trust…another virtue of a good friend. But that’s for another post).