A southern classic perfect for Derby Day

What is more quintessentially southern than a mint julep? I am a bourbon lover through and through and just adore a refreshing mint julep on a warm day. I make mine with a mint simple syrup. Don’t balk if you’ve never made simple syrup before. It can be done while your coffee is brewing – it’s that easy! Finely crushed ice really makes this an authentic julep.

I served mint juleps at my Kentucky Derby party and they were a total hit. These are sweet without being too sweet and have just the right amount of mint so that you can still taste the bourbon.

Be warned: a mint julep is basically just sweetened bourbon. Straight bourbon. Proceed with caution! This is a very strong drink for strong southern gals like you and me. Cheers to that!

Mint Julep
2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz mint simple syrup
3 mint sprigs
Finely crushed ice

1. Fill mint julep glasses with crushed ice and a straw. Pour bourbon and simple syrup over ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

Mint Simple Syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

1. Bring sugar, water, and mint leaves to a boil in a small sauce pan until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool and strain to remove the mint leaves.

Don’t want to measure at a party? Make up a pitcher! The 1-4 ratio is easily multiplied to make a large pitcher. The above recipe makes enough mint syrup for two pitchers but we only needed a single pitcher for the six of us at my Kentucky Derby party.

Mint Julep Pitcher
1 cup mint simple syrup
4 cups bourbon
Torn mint leaves
Crushed ice, mint sprigs for serving

1. Pour mint simple syrup and bourbon in a pitcher and stir. Add torn mint leaves. Serve with crushed ice and mint sprigs.

Read more about my Kentucky Derby Party here. Watch the episode:

Cheers,

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