For the last days of Summer (well, in California we are not quite sure when that is, the warmest days sometimes show up in late September) we have been trying to squeeze in some more BBQ.   Along these lines, when thinking of cocktails, lemon, Bourbon, fresh herbs and soda come to mind.  We present, BEBELLE, which is a Cajun dog name, but also a fun take on hard lemonade.

for the cocktail

1 1/2 oz Bourbon whiskey
juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tablespoon of basil simple syrup (boil basil into simple syrup, strain)
soda water
lemon verbena

In a tall glass, add Bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill the glass with ice, top with soda water, garnish with a leaf of lemon verbena and give a good stir.