Mint Julep

★☆☆☆☆
Prep: 5 mins Cook: None Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 60ml bourbon whiskey (2 oz)
  • 8-10 fresh spearmint leaves, plus a large mint sprig for garnish
  • 5ml simple syrup, or 1 teaspoon sugar (1 tsp)
  • Crushed ice, to fill

Instructions

  1. Place mint leaves and simple syrup in a chilled silver or pewter julep cup (or rocks glass).
  2. Muddle very gently — just press to release the oils, do not shred.
  3. Pack the cup to overflowing with finely crushed ice.
  4. Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir until the cup frosts on the outside.
  5. Top with more crushed ice to form a dome.
  6. Garnish with a large mint sprig, slapped against the palm to release the aroma, and tucked into the ice.
  7. Serve with a short straw so the drinker's nose hits the mint on every sip.
The julep cup matters — silver or pewter conducts cold better than glass, and the frosted exterior is part of the ritual.
· Classic — 18th-19th century American South; the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938; IBA Contemporary Classics
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