Tangerine Bourbon Sidecar

Even though I fancy myself a cocktail person, I am the first to admit that I get a little lazy when it comes to an impromptu at-home happy hour. Even with a fully stocked bar, I typically reach for a bottle of wine and call it a day. But it's SO fun to play around with cocktails, and the best part is that you really don't need to have a lot of fancy stuff. Sometimes when the mood strikes or an unexpected celebration (that surprise promotion or a meeting that went better than you possibly could have hoped), putting those basic mixology chops to use just feels appropriate. Now that temps have fallen and fall is officially upon us, I like to trade the tequila of summer for cozier bourbon. The best part is that it pairs so well with citrus juices, like this Tropicana Premium Tangerine Lemonade, garnished with some thyme and some mandarins we had in the kitchen. See below for this simple recipe!

MAKE IT

2 oz Tropicana Premium Tangerine Lemonade

1.5 oz bourbon

.5 oz Cointreau

Stevia drops or sweetener of your choice

Generous lemon wedge

Tangerine wedge (or mandarin, clementine, Cutie, Pixie... whatever you have)

Tangerine slice and thyme sprig for garnish

In a shaker combine tangerine lemonade, bourbon, Cointreau, sweetener (this one doesn't need much - just a drop or two), and ice. Shake and pour into a glass. Squeeze the lemon and tangerine wedges on the top. Garnish with tangerine slice and thyme sprig. Enjoy!

Sponsored by Tropicana.

Photography by Ashley Burns