Ingredients
1 cup sugar
Peeled zest of 4 lemons, plus 1 1/2 cups fresh juice
16 ounces bourbon, such as Maker's Mark, chilled
16 ounces strong-brewed black tea, chilled
Frozen lemon wedges or ice, mint sprigs, and maraschino cherries, such as Luxardo, for serving
Preparation
Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Strain, discarding zest; stir in lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate in an airtight container until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 2 weeks. Makes 2 cups.
Kentucky Half-and-Half: In a pitcher, stir together syrup, bourbon, and tea. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 day, if desired.Serve in glasses with frozen lemon wedges, mint sprigs, and cherries.
Serve in glasses with frozen lemon wedges, mint sprigs, and cherries. Mixing the 3 ingredients for the Kentucky Half-and-Half takes just minutes, and the drink can be made-ahead, up to one day, and refrigerated.
