Kentucky Mint Juleps
Mint Juleps are synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, and rightly so. My Gram’s recipe was our family's favorite for as long as I can remember. It's just as refreshing as it is bracing. Think of a cold bourbon drink enlivened with the fresh taste of sweet mint plus an optional twist of citrus.
A Mint Julep purist will insist that a Julep only contain bourbon, mint, sugar and ice. But I often make our Mint Juleps a refreshing drink choice for the entire summer season by adding just a slice of orange, lemon or lime. So good!
As with any alcoholic drink, you can dial the potency up or down. 1 jigger is a usual "shot" of whiskey but many recipes call for two. I don’t often drink, so I prefer my Mint Juleps with more of this lovely minty-sweet syrup along with an identifiable amount of bourbon. Because, Kentucky Bourbon!
Enjoy Mint Juleps all summer long; don’t think that they are only for the Kentucky Derby. They’re the perfect cocktail for a hot summer evening. If you envision the Kentucky Derby festivities each time, then you’ve understood just a little of the romance that surrounds this Run for the Roses and Kentucky lore.
My Gram’s recipe was the favorite of my family for as long as I can remember. Her Mint Julep recipe is as refreshing as it is bracing. Think of a cold bourbon drink enlivened with the fresh taste of sweet mint plus an optional twist of citrus.
- 2 cups Sugar
- 2 cups Water
- 15 Fresh Mint (about 6 inches each)
- 30 fluid ounces Good Kentucky Bourbon (1 jigger = 1.5 oz.)
- 15 cups Crushed Ice
- 10 Lemon slices (or orange)
- 10 Fresh Mint (to garnish)
Combine the sugar and water in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Boil until all sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and add mint. Stir well and let cool.
Drain and pour into a glass jar or plastic container. Refrigerate.
Assemble 10 glasses and fill them with 1 to 2 cups of crushed ice each.
Using a 1.5 ounce measure (one jigger), pour 1.5 ounces of bourbon over the crushed ice.
Pour 1.5 ounces of mint syrup over the bourbon and crushed ice, then another jigger of bourbon (if desired).
Using a long spoon, stir gently to mix. Keep stirring until glass begins to frost.
Garnish with the traditional sprig of mint. Optional garnish: thin slices of citrus fruit of your choice, usually orange or lemon