Food Swap Find: the bourbon slush

This weekend the WCM and her lovely, kind, always energetic, and enterprising friend Nina hosted a food swap. As this was a new adventure, the hosts weren't exactly sure what to expect. But it went swimmingly! Everyone brought tons of delicious treats (plus extras to try). The guests all munched on a load of snacks, had a few drinks, mingled, and swapped.

One item that really stood out was the bourbon slush. Most people had never heard of or tried it before. If you find yourself in that group, let us explain...the bourbon slush is a mixture of several citrus juices, tea, sugar, and, of course, bourbon. This mixture is then frozen. When you're ready for a refreshing summer drink, pull the jar out of the freezer, spoon some of the slushy mixture into your glass and serve with some gingerale over the top. Being a frozen drink, it was quite refreshing on a hot day and the hints of citrus made it seem fairly light - and, of course, had some good kick from all the bourbon.

Maybe you weren't available to attend the West Coast's best ever (IMHO) Food Swap but want to get your hands on a bourbon slush. Or maybe you have had two very long weeks and then suddenly looked at the clock and saw it was 7:00 pm on Sunday night and are bewildered and dismayed at where the weekend has gone. Whether you are drinking to savor life or drinking to forget it...you should try the bourbon slush.

Bourbon Slush

2 cups strongly brewed tea
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups bourbon whiskey
6 oz frozen orange juice
12 oz frozen lemonade
6 cups water

Brew your tea and add sugar to dissolve while still hot. Then allow to cool.

Combine all the ingredients (including cooled tea) in a large pitcher and mix well to combine. Freeze for at least 3 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, spoon about 1/4-1/3 cup of slush into a glass, top with your favorite ginger ale.