Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sugar syrup*
- 1 dozen young mint leaves
- 2 or 3 dashes of angostura bitters
In a tall bar glass (this is not used for serving – just mixing) put 1 tablespoon of sugar syrup, a dozen young mint leaves, and 2 or 3 dashes of angostura bitters. Bruise the mint gently with a muddler and blend the whole mix by stirring and pressing slightly (do NOT use a blender). Do not crush the mint leaves or it will release bitter juices. Pour 2 ounces of Bourbon over the top.
Remove julep glasses from the refrigerator and fill with crushed ice (being careful not to touch the glasses with your bare hands. Pour the julep over the top and stir for a few minutes. Add some more ice and top with enough Bourbon to fill the glass to 1/4 inch from the top. Insert two long straws and decorate with sugared mint leaves and serve.
Everyone has their own take on the julep (particularly the mint julep) so it can be very controversial to present a recipe as the “best”. Nevertheless, I think after tasting you will agree with this one.
* Sugar syrup can be made at home by combining equal parts of sugar and water and cooking until the sugar has completely dissolved. It is much easier to use this for cocktails as sugar can be difficult to dissolve in alcohol and you can up end up with grains in your cocktail. When using sugar syrup, you can substitute one for one.
