I love this cocktail (recipe below), and it goes along with my posts this week that give a nod to this summer – although I see no reason not to enjoy this yumminess at other times of the year. I dolled up this version for guests with fun straws, lime wedges, and mint ice cubes, but I can attest that it is just as delish without the frills and in a red Solo cup. I also like that the recipe is pretty loose, in that you can include the liquor of your choice – or go with a virgin version – and mess up the measurements (ahem, I mean creatively portion the ingredients), and it always seems to please. Another plus? You can freeze any remaining Bootleg mixture for another day.

 

Anthropologie glass

Pottery Barn plastic “glassware” (love this for outdoor use)

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Reality Check.  I’ve been calling these “Bootleggers” for years.  Not until I did more research for the post did I realize that a “Bootlegger” is a totally different drink than a “Bootleg,” and appears to be made with whisky, Southern Comfort and Sambuca. Doubtful those are ever served with pink decorative straws.

Recipe

1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 can of limeade concentrate
1 can of lemonade concentrate
1 medium to large lime, juiced
club soda
vodka (rum or gin will work too)
ice
limes for topping off cocktail and garnish

• For the Bootleg mixture, mix the first 4 ingredients in a blender until thoroughly combined (no one likes big chunks of mint caught in their teeth), set aside
• Fill glass 3/4 full with ice
• Pour one part of desired liquor
• Add two parts Bootleg mixture
• Fill almost to the top with club soda (should equal about one part)
• Squeeze in a lime wedge
• Stir and enjoy!

I have had different variations of the Bootleg, and all are great.  Some forego the limeade in favor of more fresh lime; some flip the order of the Bootleg mixture and club soda, so that the mixture serves as more of the topper, rather than the club soda.