Ah... The Mint Julep. A drink that both cools and kicks. This drink serves as the signal to the start of May, summers on a porch with a fan, and as the official potent potable of the Kentucky Derby. Traditionally served in a frosty silver cup, it's hard not to put a pinky out and a "y'all" in.
Now as I have learned with pretty much every cocktail recipe I've pursued, there are multiple variations, all of which are controversial. This time it revolves around the mint. Let me assure you: as much of a heretic as I've proven myself to be time and time again, playing fast and loose with garnishments, juices, and flavors, even I acknowledge the need for fresh mint. I simply can't and won't see a way around it. But what are we doing with the mint? Is it merely sticking out of the top of the cup to serve as a refreshing smell or is it actually a major part of the flavor profile? Today I choose my side and I choose...
FLAVOR!
If I were just going to stick a mint leaf at the top of my cup of bourbon, I wouldn't even bother with today. Now that you know where I stand, Let's talk recipe. You will need:
6 fresh mint leaves
1/2 oz simple syrup
crushed ice
4 ozs Bourbon (preferably Kentucky, but you do you)
2 more mint leaves
You will also need some basic barware. For this, you will need:
A shot glass with actual .5 ounce markings
A muddler
A fancy silver mint julep cup or tumbler glass for serving
As I almost always inevitably assure you, this recipe is so simple, yet so exciting with the addition of fresh vegetation! Place your 6 mint leaves and the simple syrup in the bottom of the cup and muddle away until you are swept up on a minty wave. Top with the crushed ice, add the bourbon, and stir it up. Now you're ready to add those two remaining leaves of mint at the rim for garnish.
I will also note a certain specificity concerning ice. I prefer this with crushed ice. I like for the chips to melt down quickly (yes, watering down the drink faster). I also feel that it somehow makes it seem more refreshing. If you have a fancy fridge that dispenses crushed ice, by all means partake. Or you can take out your vengeance upon some cubes in a plastic baggie with a meat mallet and a well-chosen Limp Bizkit song. It's up to you of course.
Don't forget to put on a fancy hat and demand another movie about Seabiscuit!
Cheers! Salud! Prost! Slainte! Soupy twist!