Kansas Coffee Can Mint Juleps Food

MINT JULEP

Steps:

• For syrup, combine the sugar, water and chopped mint in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature. , Line a mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Strain syrup; discard mint. Cover and refrigerate syrup for at least 2 hours or until chilled., For each serving, place ice in a metal julep cup or rocks glass. Pour 1/4 cup mint syrup and bourbon into the glass; stir until mixture is well chilled. Garnish with mint sprig.

HOW TO MAKE A WHOLE PITCHER OF MINT JULEPS

Steps:

• Make mint simple syrup: Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Submerge 1 cup tightly packed mint leaves in the liquid. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and infuse for 1 hour. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean, lidded jar. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
• Muddle the mint and mix the cocktail: Drop 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves into the bottom of a pitcher. Muddle using a wooden spoon to release the mint's essential oils by pressing down and slightly twisting your utensil. The mint should appear bruised but not torn or blackened. Stir in the bourbon and mint simple syrup.
• Crush the ice: Wrap ice cubes in a clean tea towel. Pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the ice.
• Serve: Scoop enough ice into individual julep cups or Old Fashioned glasses until they are very full. Pour in 3 ounces of the bourbon and mint syrup mixture. Top with a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired