I secretly dream of stepping outside to find nice, crisp, fall air. I want to start a fire to keep the chill off and sip a nice warm, comforting bourbon libation. Instead, I walk outside, in shorts and t-shirts, and am instantly slapped in the face with heat and humidity and am regretting the journey. The temps are starting to waiver but after awhile, I need to take a respite inside to visit the nice, cool air conditioning. The best friend to anyone living in the South.
It's officially fall but heavy bourbon sippers are still a no go. What do you drink instead? You still drink bourbon (or rum) but you add pineapple to the mix. The sweet sour scent of the pineapple makes it feel like a summer drink but the nice slow warmth of the bourbon reminds you that fall is just around the corner.
If you're feeling more tropical, try the Pineapple Smash from Palm Bay. An extra cube of pineapple and the lime juice remind me of a fruiter Mai Tai. If you're looking for thrills and no fuss, then the bourbon Pineapple Smash. Either way these 2 cocktails offer the perfect balance of summer and fall.
FYI: These cocktails should be garnished with pineapple. However, a certain canine, who shall not be named, has an appetite for this tropical delight.....and ate the garnishes.
His Cocktail - Bourbon Pineapple Smash 2 ounces Bourbon (Buffalo Trace)
1/2 ounce simple syrup or to taste
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 fresh pineapple cubes
3 lemon wedges
Sprig of mint, more for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pineapple, lemon wedges and mint. Add ice and the remaining ingredients. Shake until chilled. Strain into an old fashioned glass with ice. Garnish with pineapple/mint.
Her Cocktail - Pineapple Smash
1 1/2 ounces Rum
3 pineapple chunks
Sprig of mint, more to garnish
3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup or to taste
Club Soda
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pineapple and mint. Add ice and the remaining ingredients, except for the club soda. Shake until chilled. Strain into an old fashioned glass with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with pineapple/mint.
Happy drinking!