Minneapolis Bootlegger

I lived in Minneapolis for 3 years and nothing screams summer like a bootlegger cocktail! This is the essential Minneapolis summer cocktail and it is heavenly. Super-steamy hot days are met with these herbaceous boozy gems. I was introduced to these cocktails at a rooftop English bar called Brit’s in downtown Minneapolis.

Everybody at the bar was drinking these green drinks and they looked so refreshing, especially for happy hour. I asked the bartender and he simply asked do you want gin or vodka? That was the easiest question I have ever had to answer I promptly went with the vodka. From the first sip, I knew that I and the bootlegger were going to be friends. After I moved to Seattle I totally forgot about this Midwestern cocktail until I was doing some research and came across a recipe. A light bulb went off in my head and I knew I had to recreate this Minneapolis classic! Enjoy this minty boozy drink this weekend and toast to Minneapolis! Cheers!

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 ounces of gin or vodka
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 10 mint leaves
  • 8 ounces of lemonade

Method:

  1. In a blender combine your spirit with the lime juice, lemonade, and mint leaves
  2. Crush ice and fill the serving glass
  3. Pour the blended mixture into the serving glass
  4. Garnish with mint leaves