HIGH RATED BOURBON RECIPES

Steps:

• To sugar the glass rims, pour the juice of 1 lemon into a shallow bowl and put the sugar on a small plate. Dip the rim of 4 highball glasses first in the lemon juice and then in the sugar. Set them aside to dry.
• In a small bowl, combine the dried cherries with 4 ounces of the bourbon and microwave on high for 60 seconds. Set aside.
• Combine the 6 ounces of lemon juice with the remaining 8 ounces of bourbon, the Grand Marnier, and 1 tablespoon of the marinated cherry liquid.
• Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice and pour in the cocktail mixture. Shake the mixer for a full 30 seconds (it’s longer than you think!) and strain into the prepared glasses either straight up or over ice. Thread 3 or 4 marinated cherries on each of 4 small skewers and serve each drink ice cold with a skewer of cherries.

Steps:

• Beat the butter and mayonnaise in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on high until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the melted chocolate. Continue mixing on low speed until all of the chocolate is incorporated, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Turn off the mixer and add 1 cup of the sugar. Mix on low to combine. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Repeat until all of the sugar has been incorporated. Add the bourbon and salt and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and lightens slightly in color, 2 to 3 minutes. 
• Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using chilled frosting.