Wait for it…I don’t like bitters! I have no clue why this ended up on my summer list. Oh wait, yes I do. I saved an article and thought oh; wouldn’t this be a fun and affordable date night? Um, no, I repeat I don’t like bitters. Though if you do, please read this great article and make them. I have come to learn I enjoy making simple syrups and infusing my fruity cocktails with those. Tell me, how do you like your cocktails? What are you learning about yourself?

•  1/2 cup light-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1 orange cut into half moons
• 2 tablespoons of orange peel
• 1 lime
• 5 ounces light bourbon
• 1 orange, halved crosswise and thinly sliced into half-moons
• 1 lime,
• ice cubes

Directions. Bring brown sugar, mint leaves, orange peel and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring once. Remove from heat. Let steep 10 minutes; strain, and discard leaves and peel. Let cool. (You should have about 3/4 cup syrup.) Muddle together orange, lime, bourbon and syrup in a shaker. Rim glasses with lemon, place sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled martini or rocks glass into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain cocktail