Thirsty work

Being from the American South, I am no stranger to bourbon or to Southern Comfort. I have in my time put away many a JB&C (Jim Beam and Coke), as well as the occasional SoCo cocktail. Earlier this week we went to the launch of Four Roses bourbon at the Light Bar, organised by the dapper Antoni Heatley. In a nod to the country casual ways of the traditional Deep South drinker, cocktails were served in jars. Just about since birth I've been a fan of bourbon and ginger ale, but Four Roses were mixing with ginger beer - an outstanding invention, and one that I vowed to recreate at home, with an upcycled jar for authenticity.

And now Southern Comfort's latest news has landed in my inbox too and their Christmas cocktail is called the Louisiana Jam. It contains apricot jam and is mixed and served in a jam jar, so if you're in an upcycling mood, I suggest you wash out an old glass receptacle, follow these instructions and treat yourself to a drink...

35ml Southern Comfort

20ml lemon juice

20ml apple juice

2 teaspoons of apricot jam

8 mint leaves

15ml sugar syrup 

1. Place mint leaves into a clean, empty jam jar and gently muddle.

2. Place remaining ingredients into the jam jar.

3. Half fill with crushed ice, put the jam jar lid on and shake vigorously.

4. Remove the lid and top up with crushed ice.

5. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.

Visit www.bigeasycocktails.com for more Southern Comfort Christmas cheer.