Drink of the Week: Apple Mint Sour

I recently was given a Bartender Guide produced by Laird and Company. Laird is the producer of Laird's Applejack, an American apple brandy. Applejack can be found in most liquor stores if you know where to look (near bourbon, sometimes near brandy) and is a fun liquor to put in the place of bourbon for cocktail experiments. It's an essential ingredient in the Jack Rose cocktail.

One of the recipes in the guide is for an Apple Mint Sour. If I saw this on a drink list at a bar, I'd avoid it: it screams deKuyper and sour mix to me. But made with Applejack and fresh mint and fresh lemon juice, it's delicious. Beppo tried a sip and announced that he had drink envy.

Apple Mint Sour
In an iced mixing glass combine:

• 2 ounces Laird's Applejack (or even better: Laird's bonded Apple Brandy)
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 2 sprigs of mint, torn

Shake well, until very cold. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with mint.