Well, its that time of year! The Kentucky Derby is this weekend and it is a sporting event unlike any other, drawing a crowd of 150,000 spectators since 1875. It is bucket list event that you want to attend at some point. The hats, clothes, food, drinks, horses are a sight to be seen. And the traditional drink served at the Derby is the classic Bourbon Mint Julep.
The Mint Julep is a Southern cocktail that is served in a silver or metal cup to keep the drink ice cold during the hot months in the deep South. It has been a staple at the Kentucky Derby for over a century. Every year there are over 120,000 mint juleps served at Churchill Downs over a two day period! That requires 10,000 bottles of the ready to serve cocktail, 1,000 pounds of fresh mint and 60,000 pounds of ice. Needless to say the Mint Julep is a very well loved cocktail.
So if you are not attending the big weekend in Kentucky you can still break out your big hat and make this classic drink at home. It is very easy and so delicious!
Enjoy!
Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 8-10 Mint leaves
- 1 oz or 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 2 oz or 4 Tablespoons or 1/4 cup Bourbon
- Crushed Ice
Instructions
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Place the mint in the bottom of your silver or metal cup.
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Gently muddle the leaves with a muddler or handle of a wooden spoon. Do not mash the mint. It will become bitter if you break it down too much.
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Add simple syrup, bourbon and ice. Stir until the outside of the glass becomes frosty. Garnish with a spring of mint.
Needed Items
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