The HL Cocktail

There are a few things that can safely get my mind off these fridgid temperatures. Besides a vacation, one of those things is a bright and summery cocktail. A great cocktail can completely transform not only your mood but also your whole day. I was fortunate enough to receive a bottle of the Zachlawi's New Honey Pepper Whiskey from my good friends at Royal Wine Corp. This Whiskey is not your typical dad-style whiskey. Mind you, I don't drink whiskey at all. This one however is a real knockout. It's completely smooth enough to drink on it's own but even better mixed into a cocktail. It has a mellow honey flavor with a little kick of pepper at the end. Not at all strong tasting, but trust me, it is strong. Like the saying goes, a spoonful of honey make the medicine go down! Ok, I edited for my purposes but this cocktail is one you definately want to try any time of year. Let's get to drinking!

The HL Cocktail 

For the Lemon Zest Simple Syrup:

1 Lemon, zest and juice

1 Cup of Water

1 Cup of Sugar

For the Cocktail:

Ice

2 oz. of Zachlawi Honey Pepper Whiskey 

1 oz. of Lemon Syrup

Lemon flavored Iced Tea

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Freshly Cracked Black Pepper 

Optional Garnishes- Lemon Slice, Mint Sprig, Curled Lemon Peel 

First, make the Lemon Syrup by heating up the Water and Sugar and Lemon Zest. 

Bring to a boil slowly, stirring until all the sugar has been dissolved. 

Once it reaches a heavy boil, remove from heat, strain and let cool. 

This can be made in advance and keep in the fridge for eternity (but it won't last that long!). 

 

Next, make the Iced Tea by adding boiling water to 5 Lemon flavored black tea bags. Let cool, add ice.

Or, feel free to use your favorite packaged ice tea, we won't tell!  

To assemble drink fill your glass with ice. Add the Honey Pepper Whiskey and Lemon Simple Syrup. Top with Iced Tea. Add a squeeze of fresh Lemon juice to cut the sweetness. 

Garnish with a thinly sliced Lemon, Fresh Cracked Black Pepper and a Sprig of Mint.  

CHEERS!