Cocktail Time: Bourbon-orange Smash

I have been slower to catch on to bourbon because it tastes so much like...well, bourbon.  But I'm starting to figure out that fruit juices make almost anything better.  And with the relatives coming over next week, you might as well whip up a batch of something strong to greet them.  Case in point:

Bourbon-Orange Smash

Serves 8

Zest of 1 orange, peeled into strips and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon bitters

3 cups orange juice

3 cups club soda

1 ½ cups bourbon (12 oz.)

In a large pitcher using a wooden spoon, mash the orange zest and sugar with the bitters.  Add the orange juice, club soda, and bourbon, stirring to combine.  Serve over ice.