Mint from the most unlikely of sources…

When Nicole went out this morning, I told her to get some mint for our juleps. The stores were all out. Apparently everyone had the same idea. Then Nicole came in with a mint leaf. Turns out the mint we planted last year has spread. What can I say, the Lord provides!!!

My Mint Julep Recipes

Well, better late than never. Here are the two mint julep recipes. The first is the classic one. I will caution you right now by saying the classic is strong. Every time I make a classic, I leave room for extra syrup and seltzer. Why? Invariably, the person will take a sip, make a face, and remark “Wow, that’s strong!” Then I add syrup and seltzer to make it more palatable. So here goes:

The Classic Mint Julep

• 4 ounces bourbon
• 2 Teaspoons Superfine Sugar (powdered will do in a pinch)
• 2 ounces water
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh mint (more on that later)
• Crushed or shaved ice (only crushed or shaved will work)

Add all but two sprigs of mint, the sugar and the water. (I cut the mint up in strips with a scissors/kitchen shears to maximize the mint flavor.) Muddle. Add the bourbon, shaved ice to the glass top. Garnish with a straw and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

The Mint Julep for “Commoners”

• 1.5 ounces bourbon
• 2 Teaspoons Superfine Sugar (powdered will do in a pinch)
• 1.5 ounces water
• 2 ounces simple syrup
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh mint (more on that later)
• Crushed or shaved ice (only crushed or shaved will work)
• 1.5 ounces of seltzer/club soda

Add all but two sprigs of mint, the sugar and the water. (I cut the mint up in strips with a scissors/kitchen shears to maximize the mint flavor.) Muddle. Add the bourbon, syrup, shaved ice to the glass top. Top with seltzer. Garnish with a straw and a sprig of mint. Learn to drink bourbon, and work up to the real drink!