To cap off a great day of teaching and my last night in Paso Robles, host Brigit Binns made me this perfect cocktail.  Bright with lemon juice, just enough spice from the ginger, strong warmth from the Makers Mark and not too sweet, it was my introduction to Domaine de Canton a ginger liquor I will be purchasing soon.  When she pulled out a round ice cube (made with one of these thingies) to finish the drink I felt very well cared for indeed.  With cocktails, it’s the little things.

Brigit’s Ginger Gold Rush 
makes 1 drink
adapted from a recipe in Saveur

1½ oz ginger liqueur (like Domaine de Canton)
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Place ice ball in the glass.  Combine all ingredients in a cold cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and pour over the ice cube.  Sip and enjoy.