Celebrate Derby Day (or any day!) with this refreshing, traditional cocktail. If you can't be at Churchill Downs today, then at least this cocktail will make you feel like you are. Be sure to make it with true bourbon, which is only produced in Kentucky. I have recommended two great choices below. Enjoy!
Mint Juleps
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
about 10-15 fresh mint sprigs
Crushed ice
Bourbon (recommended: Makers Mark or Woodford Reserve)
In a small sauce pan, boil together water and sugar for 2-3 minutes to make a "simple syrup." Pour into a container and add the mint leaves from 10 of your mint sprigs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Then use a strainer or a slotted spoon to fish your used mint leaves out of the mint syrup.
To make a mint julep, put your crushed iced in a small glass. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mint syrup and then pour 2 ounces of bourbon over the top. Stir gently, and garnish with your extra mint leaves. Serve immediately.
You can store your mint syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. One recipe yeilds about 20ish mint juleps.
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7 comments:
My kind of drink love all the mint.
Not only do these look absolutely delicious, but the pictures are fabulous too!!
i do love derby day. alcohol and a reason to dress up!
I just recently got my FIRST official Derby glass (from opening day, which is why it's in my mint julep cupcakes post before Derby!), and I already know I want to begin a collection! I'm gonna want a new glass for each year! Haha... Your mint julep looks refreshing! Thanks for posting!
Ohh yum these look really refreshing!!
Well done, and it looks beautiful1
I just found your blog and I love it. I particularly love this post since I live in Louisville and absolutely love a good Mint Julep, this one was done right. I know so many people who cringe at the thought of a MJ because they have had bad ones and a good MJ is a perfect drink on a hot day. We grow wild KY mint to make ours and have a MJ station at our Derby party every year. Thanks for putting this up so others can enjoy a real and really good MJ!
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