The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a mint julep! We love the idea of sipping on the traditional cocktail while playing the role of a proper socialite at the track. Although we are not sure how proper we would last considering bourbon packs a punch – this is definitely a drink where training would be involved.
Mint Julep
- 1 0z simple syrup (1 cup of water plus 1 cup of sugar stirred in a sauce pan over medium heat until dissolved. Let cool and store in refrigerator for many different cocktail possibilities. You can go even further by steeping mint leaves in syrup after sugar has dissolved for 20 minutes. Strain mint leaves out before storing.)
- 5 five fresh mint sprigs (plus more for garnish)
- 2 oz good bourbon
- crushed ice (very important that it is crushed – fill a plastic bag with regular ice and beat with meat mallet if you have to)
Drop mint leaves in bottom of glass with 1 oz of simple syrup. Mash together to release mint oils (we used the opposite end of a wooden spoon). Fill glass with crushed ice and top with bourbon. Give it a little stir then garnish with mint leaves. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
Cheers to the fun dresses, unreasonably large brimmed hats and ladylike gloves (oh, and the horse races)!
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