Mint Julep Cocktail Food

KENTUCKY MINT JULEP

Steps:

• First, make the simple syrup by heating the water. Whisk in sugar and heat until sugar is dissolved.
• Remove from heat.
• Add mint and let the mixture steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Add cracked or crushed ice to Julep tumbler or glass.
• Add 1 1/2 ounces of Kentucky Bourbon.
• Add 2 1/2 teaspoons syrup, or to taste. Stir lightly.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaf and serve with a straw.

MINT JULEPS

Steps:

• Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves
• Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.

MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Place 6 mint leaves in a serving glass. Gently press leaves against glass with back of spoon to release flavors. Add 1 tsp. powdered sugar and 1 tsp. water, stirring gently until sugar is dissolved. Pack glass tightly with crushed ice, filling glass two-thirds full. Pour 2 oz. bourbon over ice; stir briskly. Add additional crushed ice to fill glass. Add 1 oz. bourbon. Place glass in freezer; chill 15 minutes. Repeat procedure with remaining ingredients. Garnish, if desired.

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.

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.

MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Place mint leaves, sugar and a splash of water into a silver julep cup or a 12-ounce Tom Collins glass. Muddle the mint, sugar, and water together with the tip of the handle of a wooden spoon. Fill the glass with shaved ice, add the bourbon, and stir until combined. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice, a cherry, and a few sprigs of fresh mint.

MOJITO COCKTAIL

Steps:

• In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice and syrup. (Here's how to muddle mint.)
• Add the rum and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold.
• Place ice into a glass, and strain in the liquid. Top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with additional mint leaves.

MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Shake the bourbon, mint leaves and sugar syrup with ice and strain into a highball glass or julep tin filled with crushed ice. Churn gently with a long-handled spoon and top with more crushed ice. Garnish and serve.