Today, we take our kitchen to a famous distillery and tasting room, Headframe Spirits. Located in Butte, MT- Headframe is not only known for creating their own spirits, but concocting incredible drinks for every season. With photography by talented Montana local Lynn Donaldson, Headframe’s owner Courtney McKee shares a refreshing summertime beverage that is sure to impress your friends. Bring a little Montana to your home with this Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail:

INGREDIENTS:
1.5 oz. Vodka (we suggest using High Ore Vodka for a cleaner flavor and higher purity)
.75 oz. Vanilla Simple Syrup
.25 oz. Hibiscus Syrup 
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE:
2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Water
2 Whole Vanilla Beans

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise into halves and place into the boiling syrup. Allow to simmer gently for 30  minutes then strain out the vanilla pods, leaving some of the tiny seeds in the syrup. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.

COCKTAIL RECIPE:
Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake to mix.  Strain into a glass with ice.  Garnish with a candied hibiscus flower and a twist of lemon. COURTNEY’S TIP: For an extra fancy garnish, zest a whole lemon in one continuous peel and twist it around in half. This gives the drink a splash of color and adds a little extra flavor to the lemonade. Enjoy!

For more information on Courtney, High Ore Vodka, & Headframes Spirits, click here. To see more Montana restaurants and recipes, visit photographer Lynn Donaldson at her website or at her blog.