Honey Tangerine Bourbon Cocktail

Not that I need an excuse for a cocktail, buuuut I have a celebratory announcement. I’ve mentioned this over on Instagram but also want to let you lovebirds know too….. We’re moving to California!! Jaryd got a job and we’ll be heading west in July. Eeek! So many details to hammer out but we are SO excited.

When I told Jaryd I was going to make a specialty cocktail he insisted we do it together. Half of me is going to pretend he was super excited about spending quality time with me. Half of me will say he heard “bourbon” and had the knee jerk reaction “I’m in!!” I was happy to have his help because Jaryd can actually make a killer cocktail.

We threw a party for New Year’s Eve 2010 and Jaryd was designated bartender. It was the best/worst decision ever. Let’s just say “Sweet Caroline” was on repeat and I whimpered on my mama’s couch the next day as she fed me bacon #glorydays #iusedtohang #nowIhave9pmbedtimeandtwokids

In the search for the perfect flavor combo, I held each juice bottle, waiting for one to speak to me. Waiting for that inspiration. Waiting to feel something. From the moment I touched Honey Tangerine, I felt an electricity pumping through my veins. It reminded me of southern summer nights. It reminded me of the fiery colors of a sunset sky. It reminded me of a certain simple happiness.

There is an optimism as I hold the bottle. And as I sit in Philadelphia’s chilly temps with March in its early days, I feel an undercurrent of spring. I’m thinking flowers. I’m thinking baby birds. I’m thinking light, easy breezy jackets that my kids don’t hate. I feel like spring is this happy reward for trudging through winter. That optimism was literally bottled up in this Honey Tangerine happiness.

This specific juice is by Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. It’s squeezed fresh and doesn’t have any hidden ingredients or preservatives. You know you’re getting the best quality with its completely clean label – no junk, just perfectly local and delicious Florida citrus. That’s it!

The flavor, you guys, I wish I could pour you a glass through this computer screen because I have honestly never tasted fresher, more flavorful juice.

Because of the incredible straight from the fruit flavor, I knew it would be perfect for a mixed drink. So let’s make a Honey Tangerine Bourbon Cocktail!!

First things first, you need to muddle. I am a total cocktail amateur, so if I am doing this completely wrong, I give you permission to yell at me in the comments below 🙂

Place your mint leaves and 1 shot of the bourbon into a glass with a thick bottom. I muddled mine in the metal shaker, but apparently you’re supposed to use a pint glass. Use the muddle tool to press down the mint leaves in a twisting motion for about 1-2 minutes.

Then, add another shot of bourbon, 4 shots of Natalie’s Honey Tangerine juice, the agave, and about 4  ice cubes.

For cocktails you want really large ice cubes. I made mine with mini muffin tins and placed a mint leaf in each cube for decoration. Since technically you are supposed to sip cocktails, you want large cubes, otherwise the small ice chips melt and dilute your bevie.

For shaking, though, you can use whatever cubes you have on hand. I used about 4 regular ice cubes.

Place a pint glass upside down and inside the shaker so it makes a nice seal. Shake it for about 15 seconds.

Place two large ice cubes in each glass and then strain the cocktail, dividing it into each glass.

Add a blood orange wedge for more color and fun.

Enjoy!! xo

So, everyone please reach out and hold up whatever beverage is in front of you and make a toast to safe travels and yummy cocktails!! Enjoy! xo

Want to save this for later? I made this fun Pinterest image for you 🙂

This post was sponsored by Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. Opinions are always my own.