A Mint Julep is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Enjoy this tradition of the south!
While spearmint is the typical mint used in Kentucky, I love the delicate flavor of apple mint for my Mint Julep. I also happen to have apple mint on hand because my dear friend Larry from Larry’s family farm harvested quite a bit. He lets me know when he has something I may want to make a drink with, is ready to harvest. I have a lot of apple mint on hand!
As the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, up to 100,000 Mint Juleps are sold each year! If you’d like something extra special and fancy, you can order a mint julep that is served in a gold-plated cup with a silver plated straw.
There’s something charming about this cocktail. As I sip it, I feel as if I should be wearing a big, floppy, hat and white gloves. I have the urge to watch Steel Magnolias and have my hair elegantly coiffed. Yes, I do love this fun cocktail.
I have to admit to the julep being a bit strong for me, so when I make one for myself, I drop the bourbon to 1 1/2 ounces and add a splash of club soda. Then, I relax in the shade and fan myself like an elegant southern lady.
Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Mint leaves
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- 2 oz Bourbon
- Crushed ice
Instructions
Place the mint in the julep cup, double old fashioned or collins glass, pour the simple syrup over the leaves and gently muddle. Add the bourbon and then fill the glass with ice. Stir well, the glass will get frosty. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
I look forward to harvesting the apple mint from Larry’s family farm. It’s so much fun to go to the farm and hang out with my dear friends Larry and Cindy, and the dogs, cats, goats, and chickens. I usually bring too much mint home because it is one of my favorites. I love it in cocktails, especially a Moscow Mule, so it is natural for me to infuse vodka with mint.
There’s conflicting information about which vodka to use when you are infusing. It’s all a matter of opinion. My opinion is that you should use the vodka that you normally like to drink. I’ve used cheap vodka, and it tastes like cheap vodka with a mint. It is, of course, up to you. I like to use Utah’s own Beehive Vodka for my mint-infused vodka. It is made in small batches, and it is a fabulous quality. It is smooth and drinkable without breaking the bank.
Infusing is an incredibly easy process, but keep a few things in mind before you start. For mint infusion, let it steep for five days. I like to shake it up a few times during the steeping process. Put it in a dry, dark, place for those five days. After you strain out the mint, put it in the refrigerator.
Sparkling Lemonade is a fresh, family-friendly drink with freshly squeezed ripe lemons, sugar and sparkling water. It’s a magical addition to any day.
