Classic Mint Julep Food

CLASSIC MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Gently bruise one of the mint sprigs in the bottom of a highball glass with the Simple Syrup, then add the bourbon. Strain into a julep cup, add crushed ice until overflowing, and garnish with the remaining mint sprig.
• Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 1 month. Yield: 1 1/2 cups

CLASSIC BOURBON MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Place the mint leaves and sugar or simple syrup into a julep cup, collins glass, or double old-fashioned glass.
• Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint.
• Add the bourbon.
• Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well until the glass becomes frosty.
• Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw and enjoy.

THE PERFECT MINT JULEP

Steps:

• To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
• To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
• To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.
• Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it's right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to "marry" the flavors.
• To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
• When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.

SOUTHERN LIVING CLASSIC MINT JULEP

Steps:

• To make the Mint Simple Syrup, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Boil, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves.
• Remove from heat, add mint, and let cool completely.
• Pour syrup into a glass jar, then cover and chill 24 hours. Remove the mint and discard.
• To make the drink, place mint leaves and Mint Simple Syrup in a chilled julep cup. Gently press the leaves against the cup with the back of a spoon to release flavors.
• Pack the cup tightly with crushed ice and pour the bourbon over ice. Insert a 4-inch cocktail straw, place mint sprig directly next to straw, and sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
• Serve immediately.