Kentucky lemonade is a refreshing option for Derby Day thanks to refreshing lemon juice, ginger ale and mint leaves—bourbon optional.
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup bourbon, optional
4 cups ginger ale
Ice cubes
Optional: Lemon slices and additional fresh mint leaves
Instructions
1Make the simple syrup
2In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer them for one to two minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.
3Infuse the flavors
4Remove the syrup from the heat, then add the lemon juice and fresh mint leaves. If desired, stir in bourbon. Refrigerate the mixture for one hour or until it's chilled.
5Add bubbles
6Just before serving, strain the mixture into a 2-quart pitcher, then stir in the ginger ale. Serve the lemonade over ice. If desired, top it with lemon slices and additional mint leaves. Editor's Tip: Add the ginger ale to the pitcher just before serving to keep the lemonade sparkling. If you won't be emptying the pitcher within a few hours, mix half the lemonade mixture with ginger ale and return the rest to the refrigerator until the next round.
