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| *Use fresh mint. Four or five large spearmint leaves work well. Most other mints have smaller leaves, adjust accordingly. | *Use fresh mint. Four or five large spearmint leaves work well. Most other mints have smaller leaves, adjust accordingly. | ||
| *Instead of using sugar and water, use premixed sugar syrup. This helps avoid getting grains of sugar in the drink. | *Instead of using sugar and water, use premixed sugar syrup. This helps avoid getting grains of sugar in the drink. | ||
| * |
*The mint, bourbon, and sugar can be pre-mixed in larger quantities, but always pour it over the ice immediately before serving. | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 23:45, 18 September 2005
The Mint Julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, distinctive to the southern U.S., and well-known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Keeping a Mint Julep cold while drinking it was the reason the drinking straw was invented.
The following is a sample recipe for one mint julep:
- Several to a few dozen mint leaves
- 3 to 5 oz. (90 to 150 mL) of Kentucky bourbon
- 1 tsp. (5 mL) of granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. (10 mL) of spring water
- Shaved or crushed ice
In a small bowl or glass muddle the mint, sugar, and water. Once the sugar is well dissolved, and the mixture has a good mint smell, stir in the bourbon. Pack a separate cup - preferably silver or pewter, but a highball will do - with crushed ice. Strain the bourbon mixture into the cup with the ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and server with a drinking straw.
Some tips for success:
- Strain well. Try to avoid getting any of the crushed mint in the final concoction.
- Use fresh mint. Four or five large spearmint leaves work well. Most other mints have smaller leaves, adjust accordingly.
- Instead of using sugar and water, use premixed sugar syrup. This helps avoid getting grains of sugar in the drink.
- The mint, bourbon, and sugar can be pre-mixed in larger quantities, but always pour it over the ice immediately before serving.