The Kentucky Derby is less than a month away and while many people have never had a Mint Julep cocktail maybe now is the time to learn how to make the drink so you can enjoy the race with the official drink of the Derby. The Mint Julep is very easy to make and is best served over crushed ice. This is the one drink that gets better with some dilution from the melting ice given it is a Bourbon forward drink with just simple syrup to add sweetness and a touch of mint. I like to make a mint simple syrup made with turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw) to add a touch more mint flavor. If you are planning to have a Kentucky Derby party, it is also fun to serve the drink in a classic stainless steel cup. While you might be watching the race on TV you can at least enjoy the Mint Julep with your friends in classic style. Enjoy!!!!
Ingredients:
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon (or your favorite)
- Mint
- Homemade Simple Syrup (add mint leaves)
- Crushed ice is preferred
Tools:
- Oxo two-sided shot glass/jigger
- Cocktail Shaker
- Stainless steel Mint Julep Cup or Double Rocks Glass
- Stainless steel straw or plastic stir sticks
- Strainer
- Funnel
- Plastic squeeze bottle
Directions:
Mint Simple Syrup
- Depending on how much you need you just combine equal parts sugar (I prefer turbinado sugar) and water in a saucepan and add five or six mint leaves and bring to a boil in saucepan while stirring. For example, for small dinner parties I usually mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar.
- I then remove from heat to cool.
- Once cool strain out the mint leaves and use a strainer and funnel to transfer the mint simple syrup to a squeeze bottle and place in fridge until its needed.
Mint Julep
- First make sure you prepare enough crushed ice for the drinks you plan to make.
- Place crushed ice cube in your stainless steel Mint Julep cup or double rocks glass.
- Then add the following to a cocktail shaker full of regular ice cubes:
- 3 oz Woodford Bourbon (or Bourbon of your choice)
- ¾ oz of Mint simple syrup (see above)
- 5 or 6 mint leaves
- Once all ingredients added shake for 20 – 30 seconds
- Strain into stainless steel Mint Julep Cup or double rocks glass filled with crushed ice
- Garnish with sprigs of mint leaves
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