Mint Julep

Now I know it's not the beginning of May and the Kentucky Derby, which is often synonymous with the mint julep, or visa versa. It's the end of May and it's hot and after all I am in the south and this is definitely a southern drink. I have finally been able to grow some mint, and if you want your herbs to thrive you need to trim them and use them. I already have been using it as garnish and added it to my fresh pea soup, but it's a holiday weekend my husbands out on his motorcycle and he doesn't like bourbon....it was all there and made sense to make a mint julep!

I had some simple syrup that I made for a guava sorbet that I had made earlier, so that was ready too. I had to crush the ice, but then I gave up and added a few larger chunks. Did you know the mint julep even had it's own glass? It's made out of pewter, but you still had to hold it at the base or the rim not to warm the drink. Maybe a handle would of been better...just saying.

Ingredients:
For Each Serving:
4 sprigs of mint leaves
Crushed ice
2 tablespoons mint syrup, simple syrup, sugar, or powdered sugar

2 tablespoons water
2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon

The syrup that I made for the sorbet had some ginger infused when I made the syrup. If I was making it just for this maybe I'd try using mint leaves in the sauce pan when making it, but this worked fine it's such a small amount. Simple syrup is the easiest to mix into a cold drink like lemonade or any cocktail. Actually the leaves alone made it plenty minty!

In a old fashioned glass or if you are lucky enough to have a mint julep glass place the mint leaves and a touch of sugar to get some abrasion when you muddle the leaves. You can also add a touch of the bourbon to get the mint going and infused. It's like when making a mojito. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve with a straw.

Just a nice sunny flower I had to get a picture of when we were at the farmer's market on Sat.

Of course all the amounts are adjustable to your personal preference. I didn't add as much sugar so it wouldn't be too sweet. This was so refreshing, I enjoyed sipping on it as I was sitting on the veranda enjoying the holiday that kicks off summer. Cheers!!

Thanking and remembering all the soldiers who fought to keep our country safe and free. We wish to thank them and their families who sacrificed so much for their country.