Happy Hour Friday: God Save McQueen

I am still stuck on a bourbon kick; I try to get away but it keeps calling me from the bar shelf. I want to indulge in bourbon because the season begs of it. The warmth and depth of bourbon is unlike any other spirit; the range of bourbons on the market these days could keep a boozer like me busy nightly for 6 months.

I'm a late comer to bourbon and didn't really acquire a taste for it until about 2 years ago. It's safe to say that I am now obsessed with it. My GF Kara in Tulsa has recently been seduced by it as well and we are now planning a tentative bourbon distillery tour in Kentucky this spring. Imagine the movie "Sideways" but with rednecks instead of vintners, motels flying stars and bars instead of charming B&Bs. Just kiddin'.

My current bottle is Bulleit, a wonderfully smooth whiskey that is perfect neat and even better mixed into your favorite drink. The name Bulleit makes me think of the movie "Bullitt" starring Steve McQueen and my husband recently spotted a t-shirt that said:

"God Save McQueen"

I WANT THAT SHIRT.

God Save McQueen

1.5 oz. Bulleit Bourbon

.25 oz. Averna Amaro

.25 oz. Dubonnet Rouge

.25 oz. creme de cacao

1 t. fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled 3/4 with ice and shake. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass.

Steve McQueen.....dreamy.