SPICED RYE LEMONADE

Want a sipper to enjoy the front porch, or the backyard swing....or maybe a hammock a the beach, then this is the beverage for you!! (we know, we tried it, loved it and wanted to share!)


Step One:  Simple Syrup

In a saucepan combine the following:
2 Cups Water
3 Cups Sugar
3 Cinnamon Sticks
20 Whole Cloves
1 Vanilla Bean (whole)
1/2 a lemon (squeezed and thrown in the pot)
1 whole nutmeg (I put mine in a sandwich bag and gave it a whack with a heavy pan, then dumped the pieces into the pot)

Bring up to a simmer, stir every couple min to make sure the sugar gets dissolved in the liquid.......keep on low heat for an hour!
COOL and transfer to a Mason Jar or similar container and store in fridge.

Step Two:  Make the Lemonade

Juice 6 lemons over a mesh strainer to catch the pulp and seeds.
Pour juice into a measuring cup....see how much it equals to THEN
Add equal amount of water and equal amount of simple syrup.
That is your lemonade - put in a pitcher or similar container and store in fridge.

Step Three:  MAKE THE DRINK!!

For each serving - 1.5 oz rye (Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye if possible)
3 oz lemonade
Serve over crushed ice
Stir
Garnish with a slice of lemon and a mint leaf

ENJOY!!!
CB