In 1964, Congress recognized bourbon as America’s Native Spirit, and this year marks the seventh that we honor September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. But Las Vegas barman Max Solano celebrates bourbon every day. The Emeril Lagasse Restaurants mixologist and Delmonico Steakhouse beverage manager curates a whiskey collection reaching into the 530s and, lately, Buffalo Trace in particular has been on his mind.

To honor National Bourbon Heritage Month, Solano recently created a series of three cocktails to add to his ever-growing compendium: The BAM! Berry Fizz ($13), Eagle’s Nest ($13) and Frankfort Sour ($12; pictured) all prominently feature Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Elmer T. Lee bourbon, a sentimental tribute to the former master distiller who was a legend in the bourbon trade and who recently died at the age of 93. The Frankfort Sour is especially ideal for the end of summer, combining the Elmer T. Lee bourbon with fresh grapefruit and lime juice and citrusy Lillet Rosé. With each sip, the Frankfort Sour is both a love letter to summer as well as a confirmation of the promise of autumn.

Find the recipe and a video of Max Solano making a Frankfort Sour here.

[This piece originally ran in the September 5, 2013 issue of Vegas Seven magazine. Photo by Kin Lui.]