Bourbon is the quintessential American Whiskey and the drink of choice of many of the best pitmasters in the south. Made only in Kentucky from corn, when properly made, filtered, and aged, it can rival the finest Cognacs in richness, depth, and complexity.
Mint is a weed. Plant some now and you'll be engulfed by it in two years. There are many types, so go to the plant store and pinch a few leaves. Pick the one you like the best. Pick two.
By the time the Kentucky Derby rolls around on the first weekend in May, mint is ready to pick, even in harsher climes, and it flourishes all summer long sporting lovely lavender flowers by midsummer.
The refreshing mint julep became the official drink of the Derby in 1938 and the Derby Museum at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY has a complete collection of the official commemorative mint julep glasses commissioned each year.
Start mixing at least by 4:30 for 5:00 post time.
Yield. 1 (8 ounce) cocktail
Preparation time. 10 minutes
Ingredients
8 mint leaves
1 sprig of mint for garnish
2 teaspoons sugar, more or less to taste
1 ounce clean fresh water
2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
Crushed ice
Optional. Replace the sugar with 1 ounce peach syrup
Optional. Replace the water with seltzer to make it more lively
Do this
1) Rinse the mint to make sure any dirt splashed on the underside of the leaves is gone. The moisture from the rinse is helpful in making the drink.
2) Put the leaves in an 8 ounce glass and pour the sugar on top. Muddle them together with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. When the leaves and wet sugar begin to turn to a mushy paste, add the water and the bourbon, and stir with a fork until the sugar dissolves. Top with crushed ice, garnish with the sprig of mint, and serve.
This page revised 7/23/07
