How To Make A Mint Julep

The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. They are crisp and cool, perfect for a summer gathering.

Ingredients For 8 Cocktails

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon, like Jim Beam
• 8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

To make this famous cocktail, combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Gently boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, a minute or two.

Cool and place in refrigerator overnight to allow the leaves to infuse the syrup with their flavor. When ready to serve, pour syrup through a strainer to remove leaves.

Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. Adjust syrup for sweetness.

Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw and enjoy!

Note: Rather than having to mix individual cocktails, I poured ingredients into a pitcher and kept it in my bar fridge until ready to serve then poured over ice.

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Watch My Friends Try One For The First Time