Thanks for all of the birthday wishes! I had a great birthday – I got to spend it with my family and it was nice to have everyone together (and not to mention a couple of days off of work!). I’m one of those people who usually “unplug” during time off so I’m still playing catch up around here which is why there was no drink post yesterday. But, even though it’s coming a day late, it’s well worth it as this pineapple rosemary sour is one of my favorites. It’s a great combination of flavors – the earthiness from the rosemary, the acid from the lemon and pineapple vinegar, and of course, the unmistakeable kick from the bourbon.
I always say that whatever drink I’m making is ‘so refreshing’ but this one really quenches my thirst mainly because of the pineapple. Pineapple in cocktails is pretty much my kryptonite. Since we’re using Rich’s pineapple vinegars in this drink, it gives it that slight twist which really makes it special. In addition, the rosemary simple syrup is one of Rich’s creations that he makes by adding more sugar than the normal 1:1 ratio of most simple syrups. The result is a thicker syrup that really shines on its own even when paired with bolder flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz pineapple vinegar
- 1 oz rosemary simple syrup, recipe follows
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Soda water, to top
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the bourbon, pineapple vinegar, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glasses. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh rosemary.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the water and sugar over medium high heat. Add the rosemary sprigs and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let it come to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge.