Mint Julep

Note that I am not much of a cook, but I have been known to mix a few cocktails and have hosted a few cocktail parties. Here is a Mint Julep recipe that I think I have nearly perfected for larger batches, much easier when hosting a Kentucky Derby Party. This could easily be scaled down, would just end up with extra infused bourbon.

Need: Bourbon, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaves and crushed ice.
I used Makers Mark for this, it is a good but lower to medium priced Bourbon that is smooth. Of course Woodford Reserve would also be a great choice, but I had a few 1.75's of Makers on hand. I would not consider using a cheap bourbon.

Creating a mint infused Bourbon.
In a small bowl-
Add about 40 or so mint leaves.
then add about 3 oz of bourbon.
Let set for a solid 15 minutes.

After 15 or so minutes pull the mint out, leaving as much of the bourbon as possible in the bowl. Then take small portions of the mint and wringe/squeeze a bit over the bowl with bourbon and drop the mint in again. After you have added all the mint back to the bowl let set again for a bit. I do this process one more time, then let it set for about another 5 minutes and occasionally stir while I am preparing the below.

In a large mixing bowl, note that I only use glass items in this process, not a fan of plastics or metal in my prep work.
Add 3.5 cups of bourbon, then add 1 cup of simple syrup. Mix until the simple syrup dissolves.
Then add about 3 1/2 tablespoons of the infused bourbon, after mixing you should get a light mint aroma, not too heavy of a smell.

Put in an bottle and put in fridge overnight.

For the finished cocktail-
Take a 8 oz or so glass, add crushed ice to about 3/4 full. Pour Julep recipe over the top of the ice like a snow cone. Take a bar spoon and stir at a good pace until the glass (ideal world is a silver cup) begins to frost. You can add more ice after stirring if you wish. Add about three mint leaves for decor and dust with powdered sugar and you are good to go.

I also serve with a short wide straw.

I am presently working on mint infused rum for Mojito's to make it easier to make for parties. I am getting pretty close to getting this recipe down, most would say it is already very good but I am not yet satisfied.

Cheers,
Todd

Very timely recipe there, Todd! You mixing on Saturday?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I have a 1.75 filled with the mix, settling. We are having a Derby party, big hats and all.

Hey, post some pictures here! (Of the drinks AND the hats! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />)

Be sure to share the mojito recipe when you get it down, Todd. Such a refreshing drink in the summer, but time consuming when making them for a group, muddling the mint in each glass with sugar.

Henry Watterson (aka "Marse Henry") (1840 - 1921), who founded the Louisville Courier-Jorunal, had it right:

Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form upon it. Select the choicer sprigs only, but do not rinse them. Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey. Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away, and drink the whiskey.

Recipe sounds good and will try it. Thanks. Several years ago, Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby were on the same day. Yikes!!! Margaritas/shots consumed by all but we couldn't find the TV channel for the Derby. Glad we will have 2 days to party this year.

We took some pics early in the party but are not good at taking pics once things get going, probably best. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

We also registered our party to make it an "Official Kentucky Derby" party.

Check out the shirt on the first two, go see Lal and get one! Holding a Julep in a Makers Mark Derby Glass.


And the Lovely MJ with her hat-

Back of hat-


Derby Ladies-

And last but not least, Roxy with her Derby hat and Booker sporting Burberry-



Cheers,
Todd

Great pictures, Todd!!! Thanks much! You guys know how to throw a party! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Great stuff Todd!! About the same recipe I use.

my sister, brother and I have passed the following link around since the days that stamps were 15 cents.

http://www.civilwarhome.com/mintjulep.htm

The following is a copy of a letter from Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., USA [(VMI-1906, West Point-1908) killed on Okinawa June 18, 1945] to Major General William D. Connor, [Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point] dated March 30, 1937. Buckner Jr. was the son of General Simon Bolivar Buckner of the Confederate army who surrendered Fort Donelson to General Grant, thus giving Grant his nickname of "Unconditional Surrender" Grant. This letter clearly demonstrates the esteem in which a "Mint Julep" is held.




We used to have a contest to see who could produce the first GARDEN based Julip of the year. Since I moved to the Houston area, I usually call then at midnight on New Years Eve and let them know I won!!! (They are in Denver and Portland at the time).