An Ex-Pat Rickey by Vince Chirico at Idlewild. Photo courtesy.

Every chef has a favorite recipe that they cook religiously at home. In this series, we ask a chef to share their go-to home recipe. These recipes have no frills; they’re just homey and comforting. For Memorial Day weekend, Idlewild owner Vince Chirico plans to make this refreshing bourbon cocktail all weekend long. The best part of his recipe is if you’re hosting a large gathering, you can turn it into a punch. —Justin Burke-Samson  

Ex-Pat Rickey

Ingredients

2 oz. bourbon

1 oz. lime Juice

.75 oz simple syrup

6-8 mint leaves

2-3 dashes angostura bitters

Club soda, to taste

Directions

1. Shake bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters with ice, then strain into glass with filled with ice.
2. Top with club soda, then serve garnished with mint.

FOR PUNCH: Increase the amount of each ingredient as desired while keeping the same ratio. Make sure the punch is on ice, and dilute with club soda to taste.  Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wheels if desired.