One thing many classic cocktails share in common is simplicity — less than four or five ingredients, little fuss, and lots of flavor. Case and point: The Mint Julep — Sugar, Bourbon and Mint. Simple, yet very flavorful.

As with many recipes, ingredient substitutions can lead to exciting new twists on classic cocktails. For my beeralicious twist on the Mint Julep, I opted to use honey syrup instead of sugar and basil instead of mint. The final touch was a shot of fizz and flavor from Bison Brewing’s Honey Basil Ale — a virtually hopless organic beer with a beautiful golden amber hue.

 

Tasting Notes: Sweet honey and herbaceous basil meld together with soft vanilla and toasted oak Bourbon flavors in this refreshingly carbonated beer-inspired twist on the classic Mint Julep.

Honey Basil Beer Julep

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz. Bourbon
• .5 oz. Honey Syrup (recipe to follow)
• 2-3 Fresh Basil Leaves
• 2-3 oz. Bison Organic Honey Basil Ale

Instructions

In a shaker pint, muddle basil leaves with the honey syrup. Add Bourbon & ice, shake vigorously and strain into glass over ice. Top with a few ounces of Honey Basil Ale and garnish with a basil leaf.

Honey Syrup

• 1/2 c. Honey
• 1/2 c. Water

Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat and stir in honey until completely dissolved. Cool before mixing. Store in refridgerator.